Treadmill Desk - Your questions answered!

Treadmill Desk - Your questions answered!

We sell many treadmill desks to a wide range of people, from those just looking to intersperse a bit of exercise into their working day and those looking to walk at their treadmill desk all day long. We work with large global companies, small businesses and people working from home or in studios. But the questions we get asked are often the same...

1. Can you actually walk and work? 

The short answer is yes - we do it all the time (I'm walking and working from my treadmill desk right now). However, you will need to adjust your walking pace, we find that a comfortable walking and working pace is 1-1.5 mph. You need to remember that you're not walking with purpose, you're working and just participating in a bit of gentle exercise at the same time.

2. How noisy are treadmill desks?

We find that the noise disturbance from treadmill desks is actually no different to the noise of an office fan. However the technical answer is that at 1 mph is 47dB, 2 mph is 50.1 dB, 3 mph is 54 dB, and 4 mph is 59.8 dB. We'd also recommend soft soled shoes, your feet will thank you and so will your co-workers!

3. Will I lose weight?

The concept of treadmill desking was not created to help users lose weight whilst working, but to encourage users to move whilst working. Your walking speed is very slow, so it wont replace a high intensity workout. However, walking for longer periods of the day will certainly help shift a few calories -  after all you have swapped sitting for walking. Studies show that walking at 1.5mph will burn approximately 120 calories per hour. 

4. Will I be able to concentrate on my work?

Once you’ve got into the swing of things walking quickly becomes secondary to working. Many users have find that they are more productive and their creative thought process is enhanced when using a treadmill desk. However, for tasks that require a high level of concentration you may want to consider using your chair.

5. Can I make my own DIY treadmill desk?

Lifespan treadmills are built for walking, the motors are used are built for low intensity use. They' re also ergonomically designed to be flat to the floor – creating a much better posture for walking. Many gym treadmills wouldn’t cope for very long running at such a low speed, they are also often on a gradient which wouldn’t give you the best posture for walking and working.