From Sitting Too Much to Walking While Working
Embracing the Benefits of a Standing Desk with a Walking Pad
For the past two months, I have made a significant work lifestyle change: transitioning from sitting for long hours during the day to using a standing desk with a walking pad. As someone who runs every day and does strength training three times a week, I thought I was getting enough physical activity. However, I realized that the extended periods of sitting were taking a toll on my health. And I love hacking health so I figured it couldn’t hurt to add some additional activities to my daily routine.
My Gear
I did a fair bit of research and ended up with the following:
VIVO Electric Corner L-Shaped 63 x 55-inch Standing Desk - the desk is sturdy and provides 4-custom programmable heights.
Goplus 1100W Folding Treadmill - this treadmill is solid, and supports light runs in addition to walking.
In making the transition from my old desk setup, I did have to add some additional accessories to make things work well. Here’s a few of my suggestions:
Desk Clamp Power Strip USB C,40W Total Fast Charging Station - I need the ability to plug in devices without bending down to a surge protector on the floor. I can’t believe I’ve lived without this.
Elgato Wave Mic Arm - the best arm on the market (IMO). Allow me to push the mic out of the way, but quickly get it in place for meetings.
TopMade Wireless Charging XXL Large Desk Pad - a good, comfortable desk pad has become a staple in my work environment. The Magsafe charging with this one means my phone is always handy and always charged.
Initial Benefits of Using a Standing Desk with a Walking Pad
Since making the switch, I have experienced numerous benefits that have made this change worthwhile. Here are some of the immediate improvements I've noticed:
Increased Daily Steps: Over the workweek, I now average more than 22,000 steps per day. This increase in movement has made a significant difference in my overall health and energy levels.
Improved Sleep: One of the most pleasant surprises has been the improvement in my sleep quality. I fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Enhanced Lower Back Strength: Sitting for extended periods often led to lower back pain. Since I started using the walking pad, my lower back strength has improved, and the discomfort has significantly decreased.
Other Potential Benefits
Beyond the immediate benefits I've experienced, there are several other potential advantages to consider when switching to a standing desk with a walking pad:
Boosted Productivity: The movement helps keep me more alert and focused throughout the day, leading to increased productivity.
Enhanced Mood: Physical activity is known to release endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Better Posture: Standing and walking during the day promotes better posture, which can prevent musculoskeletal issues in the long run.
Weight Management: Incorporating more movement into my day helps in burning additional calories, contributing to weight management.
Cardiovascular Health: Regular movement can improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
If you're someone who spends a lot of time sitting during the day, I highly encourage you to consider switching to a standing desk with a walking pad. Not only has it transformed my workday, but it has also contributed to my overall well-being in ways I never imagined.
This change might feel challenging at first, but the benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. Start with short periods of standing and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Your body will thank you for it!
Most of your effort in easing into this new routine, will be to learn how to mouse and keyboard while walking. This took me a couple days to master (and the mastering is still progressing), but I’m now able to push the treadmill speed to a rapid walking pace and still be productive.
I regularly see my Microsoft colleagues on the other end of Teams calls who have also taken this challenge. It’s become a sort of secret society, so if you can start this endeavor with colleagues or family members and challenge each other, it will make the effort even more rewarding and less difficult to maintain.
Making this transition has been one of the best decisions for my health. Whether you're already active or just beginning your fitness journey, integrating a standing desk with a walking pad into your daily routine can lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Give it a try and see the positive changes for yourself!