My Experience With Building My Own Treadmill Desk

As someone who works from home, I often find myself sitting for hours on end in front of my computer. I knew that this sedentary lifestyle wasn’t healthy, so I decided to look into options for staying active while working. That’s when I discovered the concept of a treadmill desk.

Building Your Own Treadmill Desk

After doing some research, I found that purchasing a pre-made treadmill desk could be quite expensive. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and build my own. The process was surprisingly simple and affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I built my own treadmill desk:

Find a suitable treadmill. Look for one that has a flat and wide base, and can be adjusted to a slow walking speed.
Measure the dimensions of your treadmill and purchase a piece of plywood that is slightly larger than the treadmill’s base.
Cut the plywood to size and sand the edges until they are smooth.
Attach the plywood to the treadmill’s base using screws or strong adhesive.
Place a non-slip mat on top of the plywood to create a stable surface for your laptop or monitor.
Add any additional features, such as a monitor arm or keyboard tray, as desired.
Test the treadmill desk at a slow speed to ensure that it is stable and secure.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas for building your own treadmill desk:

Choose a treadmill with a long base to provide ample space for your workspace.
Consider adding a cushioned mat to stand on to reduce the impact on your joints.
Invest in a good quality office chair that can be easily moved out of the way when using the treadmill.
Use a wireless keyboard and mouse to reduce clutter and increase mobility.
Experiment with different walking speeds to find a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable.
Incorporate short breaks to stretch and move around to avoid fatigue and stiffness.
Use a standing desk converter to easily switch between standing and walking while working.
Add a small desk lamp to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
Use a laptop cooling pad to prevent overheating while working on the treadmill.
Track your progress and set achievable goals for increasing your daily step count.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of equipment, there are pros and cons to building your own treadmill desk.

Pros

Cost-effective compared to purchasing a pre-made treadmill desk.
Customizable to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Allows for increased physical activity and reduces sedentary behavior.
Improves circulation and may decrease the risk of certain health conditions.

Cons

May require some DIY skills and tools to build.
May not fit in smaller workspaces or apartments.
Can be noisy and distracting for others in the same room.
May require some time to adjust to walking and working simultaneously.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my decision to build my own treadmill desk. It has allowed me to stay active while working, and has significantly improved my physical health and mental wellbeing. My only suggestion would be to invest in a good quality treadmill with a long base, as this will provide more space and stability for your workspace.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about building your own treadmill desk:

Q: How much does it cost to build a treadmill desk?

A: The cost can vary depending on the type of treadmill and materials used, but it can range from $100 to $500.

Q: Can I use any type of treadmill for a treadmill desk?

A: Not all treadmills are suitable for a treadmill desk. Look for one that has a flat and wide base, and can be adjusted to a slow walking speed.

Q: Is it possible to use a treadmill desk for running?

A: Treadmill desks are not designed for running, as the pace would be too fast for working on a computer. It is recommended to use a separate treadmill for running.

Q: How many steps can I expect to take while using a treadmill desk?

A: The number of steps can vary depending on the walking speed and duration of use, but it is estimated that users can take between 5,000 to 10,000 steps per day.