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This Standing Desk and Walking Pad Combo Have Transformed My WFH Routine

Movement doesn't have to be an after-work thought.

May 2, 2023

This Standing Desk and Walking Pad Combo from Amazon Have Transformed My WFH Routine

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I have not left this apartment since Monday, I'll say to myself on a Friday. It's my work-from-home dilemma. Prioritizing movement can be a challenge when your home and office have morphed into one space; it's so easy to sit for eight hours without commutes or coffee runs to break up the day. That's why I finally decided to invest in a standing desk and walking pad.

I've had this snazzy setup for two months and, while I hate dramatic phrases like "life-changing," that's an accurate description of how this small difference has impacted my daily routine.

While TikTok creators began praising the benefits of a standing desk throughout the pandemic, it's also backed by therapists for its myriad health benefits. "It allows you to take a break from sitting, elongate your legs, which opens up your joints at the hip and knee and subsequently allows you to get some elongation of your muscles, which in turn improves circulation," says Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist. The walking pad comes with A+ approval, too: It "helps you get mobility of your joints to maintain strength," according to Dr. Marko.

Now, let's talk products. The Flexispot standing desk is deceiving. It appears flimsy in photos but is shockingly sturdy — the top is made from a wood texture and the legs are solid and wobble-free. The adjustable height is motorized and can be controlled from a small LED panel; there's also a USB port for convenient charging, which is chef's kiss if your tech devices' batteries are consistently at three percent.

The adjustable height of the desk makes it easy to put a walking pad underneath, and the Amazon option I purchased couldn't be more perfect. It's affordable at $350 and frills-free, with an on/off button and an LED remote to control speed. The best feature is, of course, its compact design — I can simply slide this treadmill to the side of my home office thanks to tiny front wheels; plus it's designed with a holding bar that enables it to be leaned against a wall to take up less floor space.

Courtesy of writer

This WFH setup can be summarized by the fact that I no longer reach for a second cup of coffee at 2 p.m. I have more consistent energy throughout the day and haven't had brain fog — that annoying state of not-tired but not-fully-awake that I used to experience so frequently. I'm able to adjust the desk to a height that encourages me to sit up straight. I find that I'm more focused on my work and less likely to zone out or open a new tab to scroll through my socials or shop.

Even menial tasks, like answering emails or calling into meetings where my camera's off, feel more productive because I can use that time to walk. I'm able to easily get in at least an hour's worth of steps a day, all without the mental burden of having to run to a workout class after my laptop's been shut for the day. I no longer have to separate work and wellness; I'm finally able to prioritize myself in a way that doesn't require an unrealistic amount of planning and effort.

I'll level with you: I was worried that a walking pad and laptop combo would be like patting your stomach and rubbing your head at the same time: not impossible but very, very difficult. I can confirm — from the POV of a relatively clumsy person — that this is not the case. It takes a minute of getting used to and then you're typing away and can barely tell that you're walking. Dr. Marko does note that precautions should be taken by "anyone who has balance or cognitive issues," and she recommends keeping the treadmill at a slow pace to be safe.

If you're invested in breaking up the monotony of a WFH day, i.e. sitting for a consistent eight hours a day, I highly recommend a standing desk and walking pad for your office setup — it's helped with my energy and posture, and moving more has become significantly easier in my everyday life.