Work from home is now permanent for many and those who are back in the office have to acclimate to a new way of conducting business. Virtual collaboration via platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom are becoming the norm but there are unintended consequences. Work place activities such as walking from meeting to meeting, taking a stroll to the restroom or just standing around and chatting with your office spouse have been significantly changed. Don’t believe us, check out this article from Morning Brew.
People are now looking for new ways to stay stimulated in their environments and being bombarded with all sorts of advertisements for at home or in office exercise equipment. We want to touch on two pieces of equipment specifically: the under-desk treadmill and the desk peddlers (bike or elliptical).
A couple quick points that should be made:
- Exercising before, during or after engaging in cognitive tasks has been shown to be good for memory as well as critical and abstract thinking.
- No equipment discussed here is inherently good or bad.
- Each has it’s pro’s and con’s.
- Any exercise is better than no exercise!
Desk Treadmills:
The Good
- Great to get you out of that darn chair!
- Will improve muscle endurance of the legs and core with consistent performance.
- Better cardio than seated pedaling due to increased demands on the muscles and lungs in standing.
The Bad
- Can be distracting to some people who have difficulty multitasking.
- May be cumbersome if office is not spacious.
The Ugly
- Risk of falling on the job.
- Can be a tripping hazard for yourself of others in the area.
Desk Peddlers:
The Good
- Good way to improve blood flow in the legs and feet leading to reduced swelling and discomfort.
- Lubricates joints which will reduce stiffness in knees and ankles.
- Repetitive movements can be soothing during stressful situations.
The Bad
- Alters the position of your low back and legs in relation to the desk and chair which may put more stress on those areas.
The Ugly
- Again, can be a tripping hazard if not properly stored.
The Verdict:
Either option can be good for an individual who is looking to add a little exercise into their working hours. Keep in mind your current level of health, fitness and ability before purchasing this type of equipment. If you need help figuring out what is best for you, do no hesitate to reach out to your Ergonomist, Physical Therapist or Physician for guidance.
The team at Ergonomx is always ready to help! If you have any questions or comments about office ergonomics feel free to let us know below or you can reach us directly using the information on the contact tab.