(Today’s Weight: 211.5, Miles Walked: 158.5)
After 24 days of walking while working, I’m still happy to report that everything is going quite well. I weighed in at my lowest weight so far this morning (well, yesterday morning… I’m typing this quite late). And that’s even after a few massive Thanksgiving holiday meals! Interestingly, the treadmill desk revolution is spreading, with my dad jumping into the game with his own DIY treadmill desk.
My Dad’s DIY Treadmill Desk
Side View
His approach is markedly different from my own treadmill desk, but it’s still just as effective. His primary goal was to get in some more physical activity while working on any at-home business he needed to handle, plus while playing games. He’s tried regular treadmill walking while watching television or movies, but he found it to not quite be engaging enough to take his mind off the fact that he was exercising.
Keyboard and Mouse Tray
His reports so far have been very positive. He’s been able to focus on playing games or work on spreadsheets for up to 2 hours at a time while walking, which is a lot more than he was ever able to walk on a treadmill in the past. I’m not sure what speed setting he used, but any movement is certainly better than sitting behind a desk!
Front View
His approach to the do-it-yourself treadmill desk setup was to place a 32″ monitor on a shelf on the wall, and he built his own keyboard and mouse tray that rests firmly at the top of the grasp bars. This seems quite sturdy and is a much cheaper alternative to buying a standing desk or an adjustable height desk. He really seems to enjoy it, so I’ll try to keep tabs on how often he’s using it and report regular updates.
Great job, Dad, I’m proud of you!
Other Treadmill Desk Rumors
My boss informed me a few weeks ago that he’s strongly considering grabbing a treadmill for his own office desk. He made the switch to a standing desk over the summer, and that action was one of the primary motivators for me setting up my treadmill desk in the first place. He currently owns a standing desk very similar to the IKEA Fredrik model that I am using. So, sliding a treadmill under the desk should be very doable.
I’ll be sure to request pictures of his setup if he does, in fact, get around to setting everything up. It’s always good to know that you’ve inspired someone to do something. I know some of my other family members have started going to the gym more often recently, and so I wish all of you luck in your fitness goals.
Remember, Motivation + Hard Work = Success!
Great article Jason! Dad is still walking about 1.5 hours per night and is feeling great! I upped my activity to a goal of walking 10,000 steps per day, via treadmill or hiking outdoors. We are both getting in shape to do more diving and of course the Nashville marathon with you all. I was reading your blogs the other day on the treadmill at the YMCA. That was pretty cool! You keep up the great work and Congrats on your weight loss! You look amazing and are so very inspiring!
Thanks for the kind words, and great to hear that you both are working hard! I'm walking a little more than a full marathon each week, it seems to be working.
LOVED reading through your blog from the start… I have been walking at work for a few years now (I work at a small company with a boss that humors my desire to walk while working). I was lucky enough to WIN a Trekdesk from a Facebook fan giveaway & I LOVE it… I have my monitors mounted on the wall in front of me and it works great! My husband also modified my treadmill, adding an additional fan on the motor – as long spans of the motor going at a slower speed can make some of them overheat…
I have a makeshift treadmill desk at home similar to your dad's that I use when I am going to spend a lot of time surfing at home – that sitting stuff in front of a computer is just not for me anymore!
Keep up the good work – love your posts about your experiences walking while working…
Hi Cindy,
Thanks, I'm glad you like the blog! It's always cool to hear how other people set up their treadmill desks. I was a little concerned about the overheating thing as well, but I so far haven't noticed it getting all that warm. I'm sure this consumer treadmill wasn't designed with 4+ hours of walking per day in mind, so there will probably be some maintenance needed in the future.
Glad to hear your setup is working well for you, and thanks again!