I regularly read articles that describe treadmill desks as a great way to multitask. The gist of these descriptions is that work is so demanding that we cannot find time to exercise. But you can jump on a treadmill desk and get exercise while you work!

These descriptions really are a sad commentary on our times - our jobs are so all-consuming that we have to do everything while we work. Now we can’t even take a break for exercise! Really?!?!

So is Rebel Desk secretly in cahoots with your boss to keep you working even longer? Fortunately not.

These descriptions really miss the point of treadmill desks. A treadmill desk is the best mechanism to avoid sitting, which as we’ve discussed here and here, is bad news.

Treadmill desks keep you moving while you are working and that movement has awesome benefits for your mood, your health and your productivity. But walking at a treadmill desk is not a substitute for a vigorous exercise. When you do hit the gym after walking at your desk, you are going to feel great and be ready to jump into a workout. And for those days that you just can’t squeeze in a workout, well, walking a few miles during the day sure is better than nothing.