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The best solution that I've come across so far is the treadmill desk. Standing desks are not much better than sitting desks. You're still basically inactive. Th

by Todd 11y ago

The best solution that I've come across so far is the treadmill desk. Standing desks are not much better than sitting desks. You're still basically inactive. They might be better for your back, though. Treadmill desks don't get you fit, but they will let you move while you code/design/write/etc. You only have to do an hour or two off and on throughout the day to notice a big improvement. It's not hard to get to 10000 steps.

mahyarm 11y ago
Treadmill desks don't work in the cubicle / open office environments of almost every tech company due to noise. Treadmill desks are actually better for you than standing, because being stationary while standing can cause lower back pain too! Doing the stationary standing desk thing was the first time I felt back pain while working.
- Todd 11y ago
  Yes, true. The place where I'm working laughs at the concept of a TD. Many more forward thinking companies have workout areas and places to take brief naps. Maybe in the future there will be TD areas. This could help manage the noise and any awkwardness which might be felt by those at the TDs. It doesn't take much time on the TD to be effective. It's a way to punctuate long stretches of stasis with activity. In an environment like this, it would be easy to reserve electronically in the same way that we reserve conference rooms today. Lots of people could share a small number of desks.
dogma1138 11y ago
Isn't it easier to just get a run during your lunch break? Most offices have showers these days it seems to be much easier to achieve than a treadmill at your desk.
krisroadruck 11y ago
don't you find it difficult to type/read the screen when your constantly bobbing up and down due to how the human stride works? Sure maybe your health goes up but I suspect your productivity goes way way down. Seems to me it would make far more sense to just run/jog on breaks/lunch/before/after work.
- Todd 11y ago
  I've read that some people have trouble with this. It hasn't been a problem for me. I'm typing at my TD now. I'm not as quick when I'm typing or mousing, but I can write code without issue. Also, much of my actual development time is spent thinking and researching and walking is great for that. For those that have more trouble, taking care of more mundane tasks (email, web research, etc.) while on the TD may make it workable. The lunchtime break is great and probably better for your actual fitness. For me, it's the 4+ hours being stationary before and after lunch that are the problem.
tsunamifury 11y ago
I am unwilling to accept an actual manifestation of a hamster wheel as the solution to my problem. Variety of physicality is as important as its execution
- Todd 11y ago
  Fair enough. I basically agree. If you find a better solution when you have to code 8-12 hours a day, let me know. Edit: Also, some people pay to walk on treadmills.

by Todd 11y ago

mahyarm 11y ago

Treadmill desks don't work in the cubicle / open office environments of almost every tech company due to noise. Treadmill desks are actually better for you than standing, because being stationary while standing can cause lower back pain too! Doing the stationary standing desk thing was the first time I felt back pain while working.

Todd 11y ago
Yes, true. The place where I'm working laughs at the concept of a TD. Many more forward thinking companies have workout areas and places to take brief naps. Maybe in the future there will be TD areas. This could help manage the noise and any awkwardness which might be felt by those at the TDs. It doesn't take much time on the TD to be effective. It's a way to punctuate long stretches of stasis with activity. In an environment like this, it would be easy to reserve electronically in the same way that we reserve conference rooms today. Lots of people could share a small number of desks.

dogma1138 11y ago

Isn't it easier to just get a run during your lunch break? Most offices have showers these days it seems to be much easier to achieve than a treadmill at your desk.

krisroadruck 11y ago

don't you find it difficult to type/read the screen when your constantly bobbing up and down due to how the human stride works? Sure maybe your health goes up but I suspect your productivity goes way way down. Seems to me it would make far more sense to just run/jog on breaks/lunch/before/after work.

Todd 11y ago
I've read that some people have trouble with this. It hasn't been a problem for me. I'm typing at my TD now. I'm not as quick when I'm typing or mousing, but I can write code without issue. Also, much of my actual development time is spent thinking and researching and walking is great for that. For those that have more trouble, taking care of more mundane tasks (email, web research, etc.) while on the TD may make it workable. The lunchtime break is great and probably better for your actual fitness. For me, it's the 4+ hours being stationary before and after lunch that are the problem.

tsunamifury 11y ago

I am unwilling to accept an actual manifestation of a hamster wheel as the solution to my problem. Variety of physicality is as important as its execution

Todd 11y ago
Fair enough. I basically agree. If you find a better solution when you have to code 8-12 hours a day, let me know. Edit: Also, some people pay to walk on treadmills.