Re:Ask HN: Anyone use a treadmill desk daily?
by aegon_is_coming on Wednesday December 12, 2018 @02:42PM
(#18667076)
2 mph is a very slow walk... People typically say that with a standard walk you can walk a mile in 20 minutes. 2 mph means a mile every 30 minutes, or 50% slower than standard.
Re:Ask HN: Anyone use a treadmill desk daily?
by greygore on Wednesday December 12, 2018 @03:18PM
(#18667383)
You are correct: it's a fairly slow walk around the neighborhood. Typically I average between 3.5 and 4 when strolling around outside.
That being said, it's fast by the standards of treadmill desk usage (judging by what I've read and a coworker that bought her own treadmill). I can't speak authoritatively but the impression I get is that most people walk around 1.0 mph which is maddeningly slow for getting around, but appropriate for mindlessly pacing while typing or talking on the phone.
It works particularly well for me, but your mileage may vary (literally). I tend to walk fast (2.0 mph) which means I need light clothing and a fan blowing on me. That seems to be faster than most people who walk (and beyond the speed you should start at). I'm also able to walk longer than a lot of people do (I've walked a marathon distance several times during 24 hour hackathons). Contrast this with my partner who found it almost impossible to work while walking.
I tend to pace when I think, something about walking helps me think; my treadmill allows me to stay at my computer where I can still write code or make notes, versus getting up from my desk and wandering away. This really helps me switch rapidly between deep thinking and focused working.
Two things I highly recommend if you want to take the plunge: make sure you position your keyboard and monitor(s) carefully as it makes a huge comfort difference, and use a trackpad over a mouse. I've used my Magic Trackpad and had no problems controlling my cursor, but the few times I tried to use a mouse I found it very jumpy (especially at my faster pace).
If you're unsure I recommend looking for a used TR800, take a lot of breaks, and start slow. And a quiet fan can help keep you cool.