Treadmills in the Workplace No comments yet

Last year the New York Times published an article titled “I Put in 5 Miles at the Office“, covering the use of treadmills at work. Unlike many companies who have facilities to exercise on location for employees, this article features workers who have treadmills in their cubicles instead of the traditional chair and desk.

The ability to burn 100-130 calories per hour while walking at speeds slower than 3 kph is what many people need to lower their body fat, cholesterol and overall, start down the path towards a healthier lifestyle. These do of coarse take into account the need for a proper diet and continued exercise while not in the office.

For management, the ability for workers to blow off steam, either at their desk while work-walking, or in a specific room with treadmills that workers can use before work, during lunch breaks or after work has a two-fold effect. The first effect is that they are less likely to be agitated at work when they have a productive way to work off excess energy. The second effect is usually a result in lower health insurance premiums due to more in shape, healthier workers.

Workers benefit by walking and running at work directly, as they can enjoy a healthier lifestyle, but moreover, the ability to incorporate exercise time with an office treadmill means more time with their families and friends or on the golf course forming business relationships. Without the need for workers to get up an hour or more before work, or spend an hour or more after work to get their exercise in, using a treadmill at work frees up to two hours of the day to spend with family and friends.

While office treadmills won’t replace a traditional desk and chair for most people, it’s a great alternative from time to time, as is having a room dedicated to treadmills. The end results are happier, healthier employees and employers who don’t have to spend as much on rising health care costs.