Why I bought a treadmill desk
And how it's going
I am writing this while walking. I’m strolling at a steady 3kmph on the new treadmill that now takes up a large amount of space in my writing room.
For a long time I’ve been aware of how sedentary my chosen career is. When I’m deep in the writing and editing process I can sit unmoving at my desk for ten hours or more at a time. I’m prone to aches and pains - stiff hips and sore shoulders. I often feel sluggish and lethargic from lack of movement.
I was never sporty growing up which is maybe one of the reasons I was so drawn to reading and writing as hobbies. It meant being able to curl up for long stretches without moving. But over time I’ve come to realise the huge impact that moving has on my mental health.
When I move regularly I feel OK. When I don’t, I don’t.
This has a knock-on impact on my writing. Despite the cliché of the tortured artist, I personally find it pretty hard to be creative if I’m experiencing poor mental health.
Since becoming a mum it’s felt even harder to fit exercise into my day. Pre-child I used to go for long, luxurious runs and walks in the mornings but my mornings now consist of reading stories at the breakfast table (which I love) and battling a three-year-old to brush his teeth (I love this less so - any tips gladly received!).
Recently I’ve managed to incorporate yoga back into my routine. I tend to do a short session in the morning after my son has gone to nursery and sometimes another in the evening to unwind.
But then in the middle of my day is a big old chunk of… sitting.
Which is why I decided to invest in a treadmill for my writing room. I was inspired by a fellow author at The Novelry (where I work as a writing coach) who has a walking pad in her writing room. I was really taken with the idea of being able to incorporate walking into my daily routine and quickly fell down a rabbit warren of research into walking pads and treadmill desks.
How I chose my treadmill desk set up
At first I considered an under-desk walking pad. I liked the idea of it slotting neatly under my desk and the fact that this one can be folded for storage when needed. But walking pads are for just that - walking. I decided that it would be great to have an easy way to get a run in, especially during the UK’s long winters when the prospect of running outdoors at night is not appealing. So I started researching running treadmills instead.
I settled on this treadmill which can also be folded away when needed and works for both walking and running up to 9kmph.
Next, I had to think about my desk set up. There are plenty of adjustable sit-to-stand desks out there but I already have a desk that I love and didn’t want to get rid of it. So I decided a desk converter was what I needed.
I researched some that fold up but some reviews said they can be flimsy and the thought of my laptop flying off while I was working filled me with terror.
Given that my desk is pretty spacious I decided I had enough space to dedicate half the space permanently for sitting and half the space for standing / walking. So I looked for stands that would raise my laptop to the right height for walking.
In the end I went for this one from a company called The Home Patch on Etsy. I found a cheaper version on Wayfair but I personally wanted something a little more robust and I always like supporting a small business if I can.
So far I’ve been really happy with both my purchases. The only downside to the treadmill is that because I went for a running treadmill it comes with safety bars that cannot be folded down, which means I have to put it flush against my desk rather than having it sit slightly underneath the desk.
I still find I can easily reach my laptop with the stand at the edge of the desk but a walking pad without bars would slip more easily under the desk and allow me to work a little closer to my laptop without any reaching.
How easy is it to type and walk at the same time?
This was the biggest question I had when I heard about the concept of a treadmill desk. How can you possibly type and walk at the same time?
The fact I have written this entire newsletter while walking is a testament to the fact that it is possible!
I started by setting the walking speed extremely low and as my confidence has built I’ve gradually upped it. 2-3kmph feels comfortable for me for typing and walking at the same time.
I’m not sure that walking will be right for all stages of the writing process. When I really need to focus - when working on the first draft or doing complex editing work - I think I’ll always need to sit down. But at least now I have the option of breaking my day up with movement.
My first week of using a treadmill desk
Here’s how I have used my treadmill desk so far…
Day 1:
AM - 15 minutes of walking while answering emails and checking in on my social media.
PM: 20 minutes of walking while on the phone with my sister.
20 minutes of running while watching Heartstopper on Netflix.
Day 2:
AM - 30 minutes walking whilst doing admin and research.
Day 3:
AM - 20 minutes of walking first thing whilst going through my calendar and getting set up for the day.
PM - 20 minutes walking whilst finishing off some research.
25 minutes running whilst watching more Heartstopper.
Day 4:
AM - 20 minutes walking whilst doing admin and on the phone to my mum.
PM - 20 minutes of running when I felt myself hitting a block with my writing and needed to unwind.
Day 5:
AM - 20 minutes of walking while going through my tasks for the day and doing admin.
PM - One hour of walking while writing this article!
So far I’ve really loved my treadmill desk. I have felt much more alert on the days when I’ve walked. I think it’s helped my mood too. The more I move the more I want to move.
Over time I aim to gradually increase the amount of time I spend walking, and to try to run a couple of evenings a week. I also think it will be helpful to hop on the treadmill for a brief walk if I’m feeling stuck with a plot problem or need to mull over an idea. I tend to come up with my best ideas when walking.
I will always prefer exercising outdoors and still love getting out for a long stroll through the countryside or an outdoor swim. But the reality of life, especially as a working mum, means this isn’t always possible.
I’ll let you know how I’m getting on in a few months, but so far I’m really pleased with my treadmill desk set-up. I think it might really help me hit my writing stride.
(Pun intended.)
Do you have a treadmill desk? Have you ever thought about trying one? And do you have any other tips for staying active in a sedentary job?
I loveeee my walking pad under my desk for work as a photographer editing long photo sessions. Glad you love it too!