Productivity Power-Ups: Treadmill Desk

Bobby Galli
Working Dev’s Hero
2 min readFeb 12, 2024
Squeeze in that Extra Exercise (📷 @bobbyg603)

Stop Slouching 🐒

Believe it or not, optimal performance can’t be achieved by slouching behind a desk and eating cookies off a bulging, misshapen belly. According to the CDC, physical activity is “one of the most important things you can do for your health,” and “being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” People know that physical activity is necessary but often make excuses and fail to build consistent exercise habits. It’s easy to avoid exercise by claiming life is too busy or that there isn’t enough time in a day. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to squeeze exercise into a jam-packed schedule?

Modern Solutions 👨‍🔬

As Dave Chappelle once said, “modern problems require modern solutions.” Unfortunately, acquiring a fake Canadian ID card is not a realistic approach to healthcare. However, a treadmill desk can help you get in some extra exercise and is a great way to stay healthy and boost productivity. Walking regularly has been shown to make people feel happier about work and life, boost creative thinking, and improve cognitive performance. Several well-known developers have incorporated walking into their workday by creating treadmill workstations. Cory House, a prominent React consultant, has used a treadmill desk for over eight years. Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux operating system, has also been seen using a treadmill desk. Treadmill desks have also become incredibly popular with creators on Instagram.

Options ☑️

Depending on your budget, there are several options to consider when choosing the right treadmill desk. If you already have access to a treadmill, a desk attachment with a riser is by far the most economical option. Be sure to measure the distance between the treadmill’s arms and the circumference of each arm. You will likely need to purchase longer velcro straps to attach the desk to the treadmill if the diameter of the arms is more than a few inches.

@bobbyg603 working at his treadmill desk

For those with deeper pockets, the site workwhilewalking.com has multiple articles that rank high-end treadmill desk solutions. Alternatively, under-desk bikes are another way to sneak in some extra light exercise and get the blood flowing.

Share Your Experience 🙋

Did incorporating a treadmill desk into your workday help you unlock extra productivity? Please comment on this article and let us know — thanks!

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Bobby Galli
Working Dev’s Hero

Software developer at BugSplat. Big friendly giant, golf ball whacker guy, goofball, lover of tacos.