OK, who loves sitting in an office all day, barely moving except to go for a toilet break or to make yourself your 10th coffee for the day, and then walking out in the afternoon feeling like a hunchback? Yes, me too… said no-one ever! If you’re anything like me, sitting for prolonged periods does not feel great. Listening to your body complaining (neck, shoulders, back, hips) should be enough to get us up and about more often. But how often do we actually listen and take action?

It’s clear from research that sitting for too long can negatively impact our health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there is a simple yet extremely effective way to counteract this; office treadmills, aka. walking pads. I know what you’re thinking, who wants to be the first weirdo in the office to bring in a treadmill? Well… me for one! But it only takes one person to inspire their colleagues to move more and feel better from day 1. Let’s have a look at what moving more in the office each day might do for you.

The Sedentary Lifestyle Epidemic

The sedentary nature of office-based jobs has contributed to a decline in fitness, health and wellbeing. Prolonged sitting has been linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems. Add this to increased time in front of our televisions (thanks Netflix) and phones (thanks Facebook), and we’re as immobile as we have ever been. Recognising the need to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle is the first step. Taking action is the second and sticking with it is the third. We want to make moving more simple and convenient. Enter, the walking pad.

Office Treadmills for Incorporating Physical Activity into Your Workday

Walking pads enable you to incorporate physical activity while working, offering a wide range of health benefits. These compact, foldable and quiet devices consist of a treadmill surface that allows users to walk at a comfortable pace without leaving their desk. By utilising a walking pad, you can transform your sedentary workday into an active and productive one. Let’s take a look at what this simple, yet extremely effective piece of equipment can do for you.

1. Boosting Cardiovascular Health

One of the key benefits of using a walking pad is the positive impact it has on cardiovascular health. Regular walking, even at a slow to moderate pace, increases heart rate and blood flow, leading to improved cardiovascular fitness. By walking on a pad during the workday, you can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and enhance overall cardiovascular well-being.

2. Managing Weight and Burning Calories

Weight management is a significant concern for many office workers. Incorporating a walking pad into your routine can help manage weight effectively. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can burn calories and contribute to weight loss. You would be amazed at how effective an extra 30-60 minutes walking each day is in managing you weight. By utilising a walking pad for a portion of your workday, you can burn additional calories, boost metabolism, and improve overall body composition.

3. Enhancing Mental Well-being

Exercise is known to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Walking stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. By utilising a walking pad, you can experience a boost in your mood, increased focus, and improved productivity, leading to a more fulfilling work life.

4. Improving Posture and Reducing Musculoskeletal Issues

Sitting for long hours can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain and neck stiffness. Walking pads encourage a more dynamic posture by engaging your core and encouraging proper alignment. By incorporating walking into your work routine, you can strengthen your muscles, improve posture, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems. See this discussion by Rachel Krantz on the benefits she saw to her low back pain, all from switching to a walking pad at the office.

Tips for Incorporating Walking Pads into Your Workday:

To make the most of your walking pad, here are a few tips to consider:

Start slow: Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase your walking time as you build stamina.

Set achievable goals: Set realistic goals for daily steps or distance and track your progress.

Find a comfortable pace: Walk at a pace that allows you to work comfortably without compromising your productivity.

Incorporate breaks: Take short breaks from walking to perform stretching exercises and give your feet a rest.

Invest in ergonomics: Ensure your workstation is properly set up with an ergonomic chair, keyboard, and monitor.

Incorporating physical activity into our sedentary work lives is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Walking pads offer an innovative solution for office-based professionals to improve their health, enhance fitness levels, manage weight, and combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting. By embracing this technology and making it a part of our work routine, we can transform our sedentary workdays into active, productive, and healthier lifestyles. So, why not take a step in the right direction and start walking towards a healthier you? Need more information on how getting more steps each day can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing? Have a look at this article: “Benefits of getting more than 7500 steps each day”.