The Health Benefits of Walking Pads and Other Active Workstations

People who spend significant amounts of time at a desk may have concerns about how those hours affect their health and wish they could get more physical activity. The good news is that what are called active workstations are increasingly popular and available.

What is an active workstation, and how can it benefit your physical and mental health? This article explains.

Active Workstations: Many Types, One Goal

An active workstation is a piece of furniture or a combination of furniture and equipment that enables users to be more active while they work. This includes standing desks, bicycle desks, treadmill tables, and walking pads.

As the name implies, a standing desk is a work surface at a height that enables someone to use it while standing. Many standing desks can be raised or lowered, allowing for position changes throughout the work day.

Simply spending some of your work hours standing can be good for your health, but being in motion is even better. That’s where bicycle desks, treadmill tables, and walking pads come in. They enable the user to pedal or walk as they work.

These setups come in all shapes and sizes, but the common denominator is that they reduce the time workers spend sitting.

Health Benefits of Active Workstations

The health benefits of active workstations vary based on the type of setup, the amount of time standing or in motion, and the intensity of the movement. However, people who use them typically experience health improvements like:

• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Increase in calories burned, which can help with weight management
• Improved circulation
• Enhanced mood and productivity
• Improved mental cognition

Working while standing, walking or pedaling takes some getting used to, but after a handful of sessions, most people find it comfortable and natural.

ADHD and Walking Pads

One benefit of active workstations is specific to people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD can make it challenging to be still and focused at work, but researchers have found that being in motion while working can reduce fidgeting and make it easier to concentrate and avoid distractions.

Many people with ADHD may experience benefits from using a walking pad while they work at a standing desk. A walking pad is like a treadmill, but it’s more compact, has a lower profile, and has no front console. It’s a lightweight device, so you can move it under or away from your desk as needed.

In addition to addressing the main ADHD symptoms, time on a walking pad can reduce the feelings of anxiety stemming from struggling to start and complete tasks, meet deadlines, etc. Users often say that “going for a walk” at their desk provides a sort of emotional reset that makes being at work a much more positive experience.

Talk With Your Doctor About Walking Pads and Staying Active at Work

Being more active at work using a walking pad or other setup can benefit your mind and body. Of course, it’s essential to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program — whether at the gym or your desk. They can guide you on how active you should be based on your current health and goals.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health primary care physician, our online provider directory is a great place to find one.