greygore

I'd also like to recommend CGP Grey's Rules for Rulers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rStL7niR7gs) which is based on The Dictator's Handbook. I really should add that to my library though...

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.

I've been using a treadmill desk almost daily for the last 2-3 years and I absolutely love it. I had two laminectomies for herniated discs about 5 years ago and the dynamic motion of walking has helped me maintain my back health better than an ergonomic chair or a standing desk would. On days when I had a lot of meetings and couldn't walk at my desk it was noticeable.

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.

Walking rather than sitting or even standing has helped me with my back problems after having had two surgeries for a herniated disc. The constant motion helps prevent me from developing problems that would always develop from those static positions.

Additionally I tend to pace when I think and this means I can stay at my desk while puzzling something out. The fact that I can burn a thousand calories on an extended day of focus is just icing on the cake.

I see my treadmill desk as something that helps me work, not a substitute for the gym. Maybe dial back the judgement and "harsh wording" in the future, or at least talk to people before developing and/or sharing such a strong negative opinion.

I walk at 2.0 mph. This is about as fast as I can walk without becoming too overheated, but even then I need to wear light clothing and have a fan blowing on me. Walking at 1.5 mph would probably reduce my need for cooling, and 1.0 or less just feels too slow for me.