There is nothing I love more than getting outside with an iced coffee in hand and going for a hike. Whether it’s a short walk on the beachfront or a long trail through a national park, I am there and getting my steps in.
Walking every day is a great way to boost your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular health; I consciously try to hit 10,000 steps each day. But as someone who works a desk job, I know how hard that can be. When all your brain power has been used at your computer, finding the energy to get out into the world can feel like a chore.
It becomes a habit when working from home or at a sedentary office job to simply stay seated. Especially on work-from-home days, moving from the desk chair to the sofa is just, well, all-to-easy. And I know in the coming fall months, as the days get shorter, it's only going to get harder.
For me, walking is something that helps me to unwind as it distracts me from everyday stress, so I feel the effects when I skip my daily stroll. But ever since I tested one of the best under-desk treadmills a month ago, hitting my daily goals has become a breeze.
I've been using the WalkingPad Z1 for a month now, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it has changed my life. I have more energy, feel more motivated when I’m working, and am actually more productive when I use it.
Most days, two hours have passed without me even noticing, and I've ticked off half of my to-do list and walked three miles without leaving my desk.
And while it is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other, there are some things you can do to make the under-desk treadmill experience even better.
Commit to the shoe
My number one tip for clocking up the miles is wearing a pair of comfortable shoes to walk in. This sounds obvious, but when I’m at home, it is more than tempting to hop on the treadmill in slippers or socks.
And I will hold my hands up and say, I have been known to take on the treadmill in just my socks, but I always regret it! The lack of arch support is simply not the vibe.
So, for the times when I want to spontaneously jump on the under-desk treadmill, I have a pair of the cheap, but insanely comfortable, Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 trainers next to my desk.
Having comfort and support means I am able to walk for longer, and I am protecting the soles of my feet and reducing the risk of things like shin splints and muscle fatigue from incorrect posture.
Ignoring the numbers
When I’m at the gym, I always work towards a number: three miles, four miles, five miles, and so on. It is so easy to obsess over the number on the screen and try and hit a goal every day. For some people, this is going to be a great motivator. But I like to focus on doing what feels good instead.
This way, I don’t get tired or overexert myself, and I can just focus on the work I am getting done instead. To do this, I push the walking pad a little further under my desk so I can’t see the screen.
But don’t worry if you decide you’d like to take a quick peek at how many miles you have on the clock, because you can download the KS Fit app that syncs with the WalkingPad Z1 to give you all of your metrics. You can even customize these metrics and decide what you view.
Staying locked in
All the extra energy that is normally spent by tapping my foot when I’m at my desk is released by walking, leaving me uber-focused on the task at hand.
What motivates me the most to get on the under-desk treadmill every day is the level of focus it brings me. All the extra energy that is normally spent by tapping my foot when I’m at my desk is released by walking, leaving me uber-focused on the task at hand. I’m writing this while walking on the WalkingPad Z1 and am fully locked in.
This is also how I get so many steps in. Because I am walking and working at the same time, my mind is distracted, so I’m never thinking about the number of steps or miles.
To make sure you’re as productive as possible, I’d recommend getting your computer at eye level. Whether that means doing a little balancing act with some boxes or investing in one of the best standing desks, this is a great way to keep eyes up and avoid any hunched backs.
You can find out more about my favorite under-desk treadmill in my full WalkingPad Z1 review.
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