Building Your Own Treadmill Desk: A Personal Experience
As someone who works from home, I was looking for a way to stay active during the day without sacrificing productivity. Enter the treadmill desk. I had heard about these desks that allow you to walk while you work, but the price tag was steep. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build my own treadmill desk.
How To Build Your Own Treadmill Desk
Step by Step Guide:
1. Choose the right treadmill: Look for a treadmill that fits your budget and has a motor that is quiet enough to work on.
2. Build the desk: This can be done with a simple table or desk that is sturdy enough to hold your computer and other work essentials.
3. Measure and cut: Measure the width of your treadmill and cut a piece of wood to fit over the treadmill. This will serve as the base for your desk.
4. Attach the desk to the base: Screw the desk onto the base and make sure it is secure.
5. Set up your workspace: Add your computer, keyboard, and other work essentials to the desk.
6. Adjust the height: Make sure the desk is at a comfortable height to work on while walking on the treadmill.
7. Test it out: Start the treadmill at a slow pace and test out your new treadmill desk.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas:
1. Use a wireless mouse and keyboard to avoid cords getting in the way.
2. Invest in a good anti-fatigue mat to stand on while walking.
3. Start slow and gradually increase the speed of the treadmill.
4. Take breaks and stretch throughout the day.
5. Use a standing desk converter to switch between standing and walking while working.
6. Consider adding a monitor mount to the desk for better ergonomics.
7. Use a treadmill with incline settings to get more of a workout.
8. Add a treadmill desk to a home gym for a multi-functional workspace.
9. Make sure the treadmill is on a level surface to avoid any accidents.
10. Keep water nearby to stay hydrated while walking.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Increased physical activity throughout the day.
- Improved circulation and cardiovascular health.
- Multi-functional workspace for those with limited space.
Cons:
- Can be expensive to purchase a pre-made treadmill desk.
- May take some time to adjust to walking and working at the same time.
- Not suitable for all types of work, such as tasks that require a lot of typing or focus.
Personal Review and Suggestion:
After using my homemade treadmill desk for several months, I can say that it has made a noticeable difference in my overall health and productivity. While it did take some time to adjust to walking and typing at the same time, I now find it to be an enjoyable and effective way to stay active during the day. My suggestion for anyone considering building their own treadmill desk is to make sure to invest in a good anti-fatigue mat and take breaks throughout the day to stretch and stay hydrated.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use any treadmill for a treadmill desk?
A: It is important to choose a treadmill with a quiet motor and a stable surface for walking. Look for treadmills that have a flat surface and are designed for walking rather than running.
Q: How fast should I set the treadmill for a treadmill desk?
A: Start at a slow pace, such as 1-2 mph, and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable walking and working at the same time.
Q: Is a treadmill desk suitable for all types of work?
A: No, a treadmill desk may not be suitable for tasks that require a lot of typing or focus. It is important to determine if a treadmill desk would be a good fit for your specific work tasks before building one.