By Lisa Maloney on January 25, 2012 in
Treadmill desks are gaining popularity, thanks in part to studies warning that sitting for long periods increases your risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Purpose-made treadmill desks often cost thousands of dollars and are limited, at best, for fitness applications. But if you already have (or are planning to buy) a regular treadmill, you can get the best of both worlds by turning it into a part-time desk.
Motoring
While researching our reports on treadmills and budget treadmills, we learned that horsepower ratings in the fitness industry aren't regulated, and that the manufacturer's motor warranty is one of the best clues to actual motor quality. This is especially important if you plan on using your treadmill as a desk. You'll probably be walking at somewhere between 0.7 and 1.5 mph while you work, and long use at slow speeds can be tough on a treadmill motor -- so get the best motor warranty you can afford. Pay close attention to belt size, too; if your treadmill has a short belt, there won't be room for both you and your desk on the treadmill at the same time.
Walk the plank
If your treadmill has flat, level handlebars, turning it into a desk is as simple as laying a board or shelf across said handlebars. Securing hook-and-loop straps to the board's underside, then wrapping the straps around the treadmill's handlebars, is an easy way to keep your makeshift desk in place.
Other creative approaches for DIY treadmill desks include:
- Cutting an area in a regular desk that allows for the treadmill console to jut through while leaving plenty of workspace between you and the console. You will also need to elevate the desk. Sit-stand desks do this best, because most adjust high enough to use comfortably while you're on the treadmill.
- Use a height-adjustable overbed table. As long as your treadmill deck is high enough for the frame to fit beneath it, the table itself hangs over the deck and is large enough to hold a laptop, mouse pad and notepad.
Avoid accidents
Common sense is the key to using a treadmill desk safely. Keep the following principles in mind:
- Buy the most reliable machine you can, and steer particularly clear of models that have a reputation for speed fluctuations or sudden belt stoppage.
- Make sure you have room to get on and off the treadmill safely. Leave yourself plenty of clear space behind the machine, so that if you happen to trip or fall you won't get trapped on top of the moving belt.
- Eliminate possible trip hazards by tucking any cables hanging from your computer well out of the way.
- Use the safety tether (sometimes called a safety key), if your treadmill has one. The tether stops the treadmill automatically if you trip or stumble.
- Start slowly -- remember this isn't a race. In fact, some treadmill desk users advise getting used to working while standing before you upgrade to walking.
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