There are few doubts over the health benefits and convenience of a well-made under desk office treadmill. However, there are also some concerns over the safety of these exercise machines in a busy work environment. This isn’t a typical treadmill where you can switch off from the world and focus on gains and pace. This requires minimal concentration on a moving belt and enough focus on the work at hand. Therefore, there is the risk of safety incidents that puts some consumers off. What happens if they start focusing on their steps and then the phone rings, or an angry email appears or the computer freezes. Either could be enough to put users off their stride and risk an injury.
Keep the following in mind for a safer office treadmill experience
- Make sure that the belt of the treadmill isn’t too fast. You don’t want to trip up and fall. Most office exercise machines are slower than the average for this reason.
- Look for models with safety rails to hold on to if you get a little unsteady.
- Some models have intelligent sensors that spot when users stop walking and shut the machine down.
- Others provide audible alerts for a change of speed or setting, so users aren’t caught off guard.
- Look out for models with visible markings on the deck to indicate a moving belt. This is important for stepping onto a machine, and for the safety of those in the vicinity.
- Check for a safety key that you can fasten to clothing. This will shut off the machine if you trip.
- Safety can also be improved with the right footwear. This is not the place for a pair of heels or loafers. Bring some training shoes of some kind to exercise in the office.
Make sure to check the specs and reviews for a machine before buying
The best, safest office treadmills will offer all these features for a better exercise experience. Some may only offer a few. There is a lot to consider about the safe use of an office treadmill. It pays to understand precisely what you are buying and the capabilities of the machine. Read through the specification carefully to understand the incline, speed and safety features that are – or are not – included. Also take the time to read the user reviews from real buyers that have tested the machine out before. They can give accounts of their experience of safety and feelings of security while using a device. Anyone that falls or struggles is sure to post a critical review.
Still not convinced about using an office treadmill?
There are plenty of safety features in the best machines that ensure that users can enjoy a great workout with few concerns. However, you do need to be sure that you can use the machine with confidence. If safety while multitasking is a massive concern, the safest thing to do is simply to not use one. If you don’t think you can handle the pace of walking on the belt and dealing with computer tasks, find a different approach. This is for those that want to literally workout on the job. If you have the time management and drive to schedule breaks and activity sessions in a day, go with that approach instead.
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