Ask HN: Walking Desk?

I have a standing desk and I'm considering buying an under-desk treadmill to "convert" it to a walking desk.

I am curious to know if anyone here uses a walking desk, and how it affects their productivity. Is it something you find yourself using often? Are you able to remain productive while walking?

7 points | by swendoog 1756 days ago

3 comments

  • markeddown 1756 days ago
    I've used a treadmill desk (LifeSpan) for a few years off-and-on and I love it. Personally, I do not like standing at a tall desk. The feeling of "just standing around" never quite goes away. I slouch, fidget, shift my weight from one foot to the other, and even look around as though I'm stuck waiting in line for something. For some reason the act of walking (very, very slowly mind you) doesn't bother me at all, and I feel engaged with my work the entire time. I have not done any testing to gauge my productivity compared with sitting down in a chair for hours. Even if I learned there was no performance improvement while walking, I still prefer to walk than sit. Depending on your priorities, the most obvious difference will be aesthetic, it does wonders for your...rear view.

    A more portable, less expensive option worth looking into is a "balance board," and unstable platform the side of a skateboard that keeps you physically engaged by tilting in a surfing-like stance.

  • kjerzyk 1756 days ago
    I’m pretty sure “No such thing as a fish” mentioned that working on a treadmill doesn’t do you any good.I think they said the research showed that only one thing was improved (energy levels I believe) but they users were failing at everything else like focus and memory.
    [-]
    • kleer001 1755 days ago
      Can confirm, just listened to this episode. Treadmill desk users were less productive.
  • fiftyacorn 1755 days ago
    Doesnt Linus Torvalds use one? Im sure Ive seen a few photos of him with one?
    [-]
    • swendoog 1754 days ago
      Not sure about Linus... I know Wolfram does/did ....