Healthy Desk Depot - Your Buying Guide For Standing And Treadmill Desks (And Don't Forget Bike Desks, Too!)

Work Smarter & Move More!

Want to bring more movement into your work day?  Read our buying guide below for everything you need to know about standing desks and treadmill desks (and forget that treadmill desks and bike desks confer many of the same benefits!).

3 Health Benefits Of Using A Standing Desk

Various studies have shown that staying seated for long periods can adversely affect your health. Whether you’re looking to improve your posture, reduce pain or simply stay more active, a standing desk may be what you need to boost your wellbeing.

• Better Posture

Poor posture can affect our bodies in countless ways. From lower back and neck pain to headaches and digestive issues, many people who work while sitting experience a range of physical issues that follow them long after they log off for the day. Using a standing desk with proper ergonomics (even if you alternate between sitting and standing) helps you engage your core and pull back your shoulders, reducing the risk of pain associated with poor posture.

• Hip & Back Health 

Sitting for prolonged periods can cause pressure and compression in the spine, leading to back pain and muscle strain. Using a standing desk for your hip and back health keeps your hips in a neutral position, which helps keep them properly aligned throughout the day. In contrast, staying seated for long periods can cause tightness in the hip flexors, contributing to back and hip pain.

• Improved Blood Circulation

If you’ve ever had swollen feet after a long-haul flight, you’ll know that sitting for long periods can affect your circulation. While the effects aren’t as apparent for office workers, all those seated hours start to add up! Using a standing desk encourages blood flow throughout the body, which can help prevent swelling in the legs and feet, combat fatigue, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Standing Desk vs. Treadmill Desk

Treadmill desks take standing desks a step further by allowing you to walk (or even jog) at a slow pace while you work. Along with all the health benefits of a standing desk, treadmill desks offer some additional benefits.

• Weight Loss

Did you know that, on average, standing burns 186 calories per hour, while walking at a moderate pace burns around 324 calories per hour? While a treadmill desk should be combined with healthy eating and moderate exercise for optimal weight loss, walking is a fun and low-impact way to help you achieve your 10,000 daily steps—all while remaining focused, productive, and energized during your work day.

• Long-Term Health

Using a treadmill desk is an excellent way to improve your long-term health, plus it’s much more exciting than sitting (or standing) at a desk all day! By bringing physical activity into your workday, you can lose weight, improve circulation, reduce chronic back pain, and say hello to a healthier, happier you. In addition to the physical benefits, the mental benefits of getting more exercise include reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. 

• Reduced Joint & Lower Back Pain

Sitting in an office chair all day significantly contributes to lower back pain. Experts recommend that office workers stretch for five minutes every hour they’re seated. Unfortunately, most of us only stretch our legs when we make our way to the kitchen for another cup of coffee! Using a treadmill desk is a joint-friendly way to get your body moving without putting strain on your body. Unlike exercise treadmills, which are geared toward breaking a sweat, treadmill desks are all about slow, sustained movement that helps you gently walk your way to a healthy back and joints.

• Increased Energy

Exercise has been shown to boost not only your mood but your energy levels too. In addition to improving your physical health, regular exercise increases your energy by helping you sleep better, sharpening your focus, and increasing happy hormones like endorphins. Getting your blood flowing for 30 minutes three to four times a week with a treadmill desk can significantly impact your energy levels!

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Key Terms To Know When Buying A Standing Desk, Treadmill Desk, Or Bike Desk

• Manual vs. Electric

A manual treadmill desk relies on the power of your feet to move the belt, while an electric treadmill desk uses a motor to rotate the belt beneath you. With a manual treadmill desk, your pace is determined by your own movement. This makes them a great option for those who want to set their own pace while they work. Conversely, electric treadmills are usually set to a certain speed (walking, jogging, or running) and are more frequently found at commercial gyms.

• Weight Capacity

Whether you’re looking for a standing desk, treadmill desk, or bike desk, each option will have a maximum weight capacity. If you have typical items on your desktop, almost all models can accommodate this. However,  you may want to check the weight capacity before purchasing if you have heavy items on your desktop (such as multiple computer monitors, printers and scanners, or binder folders).

• Noise

Electric treadmill desks and bike desks may produce some noise, but this is generally soft enough not to cause any concern. However, if you’re frequently on conference calls or plan to set up your ergonomic desk in a shared workspace, you may want to consider how the noise volume will affect your virtual meetings or co-workers.

• Portability

Portability is essential when buying a standing desk, treadmill desk, or bike for your desk. Some things you should consider include whether you want to retain a seated desk, whether you will be moving your ergonomic desk between locations, and the amount of space you have in your office or workspace. There are significant variations in sizes between different ergonomic desks; some are also fully collapsible to make portability easier. For maximum portability, consider an under desk treadmill that can fit into tight spaces. 

• Depth & Width

To ensure that your workspace is ergonomically optimized, you should prioritize finding a standing, treadmill, or bike desk with adequate front-to-back distance, typically 30” or more. Having insufficient depth can lead to eye strain and physical discomfort because your monitor, keyboard, and mouse may be too close to your body. Fortunately, adjustable desks are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the ideal fit for your preference and body.

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Ready To Say Goodbye To Sitting?

At Healthy Desk Depot, we're on a mission to help you create an office space that makes you healthier, happier, and more productive. Tackle your workday in comfort and style with our wide range of premium ergonomic desks.

Contact us today at info@healthydeskdepot.com