I have heard the phrase "sitting is the new smoking" more times than I can count, and as someone with a sedentary job, I can sometimes leave the office feeling a little bit lazy for having sat down all day. And when I’m sitting all day, in the afternoon, I start to feel pretty sluggish.
I tried just standing at my desk in the afternoon, but I just noticed that my posture was suffering. I heard that one of the best under-desk treadmills can enhance productivity and get you moving, so I tested the WalkingPad Z1 and everything changed. I’ve been hitting 10,000 steps every single day without leaving my laptop and avoiding the afternoon slump.
What is the afternoon slump?
The dreaded afternoon slump. We’ve all experienced it — you’re in the office, and as soon as it hits 3 pm, your brain switches off. Maybe you don’t get enough sleep the night before, and your circadian rhythm is out of whack, but it can’t be helped.
So when you start yawning into your computer screen, it’s your body’s way of telling you it needs something. It might be water or a small snack for a sugar boost. However, a surefire way to wake yourself up is to move around. For me, this usually entails a quick trip to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, but now I simply pull out the treadmill and get walking at my desk.
Increased endorphins
When we exercise, endorphins are released, and this feel-good hormone is responsible for reducing stress and boosting our mood. So it’s only natural that when you have a lot of this hormone in your body, you’re going to be at the top of your game.
After about 10 minutes of walking, I can already feel my energy levels rising and my mind starts to work again. I get into the rhythm of walking, and before I know it, I’ve finished all of my work and hit my 10,000 steps target for the day. The WalkingPad Z1 companion app counts my steps and distance so I know exactly how far I’ve gone.
Health benefits from your desk
When working a 9-to-5 job, by the time you factor in your commute to and from work, it can seem impossible to fit a gym session in. But with an under-desk treadmill, I can hit my goals without the gym, and it's a great way to integrate fitness into your lifestyle. Having an under-desk treadmill to hit cardio targets means you're prioritizing consistency, helping to build healthy habits.
Turning sedentary time into active time can make a huge difference to your overall health and well-being. It’s one of the best things I have implemented in my daily life in 2025, and I can’t wait to take this health habit with me into 2026.
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