Summary
Stefan Pylarinos reviews his Lifespan treadmill desk after several weeks of daily use, inspired by Dr. James Levine's book "Get Up." Despite being a fit person who works out daily, Stefan realized that gym exercise alone doesn't offset hours of sitting. He walks at about 1 mph while doing all types of work — writing, emails, Skype calls, and webinars. The speed range goes from 0.4 mph (barely noticeable) to 4 mph (light jog). He reports feeling more productive, alert, and energetic while walking compared to sitting, with his body getting leaner from the extra calorie burn. The desk model with electronic height adjustment cost about $1,700, though he notes the adjustable feature is unnecessary if you only use it for walking. He considers it one of his top investments alongside his water ionizer and shower filter.
Key Points
- Inspired by Dr. James Levine's "Get Up" book claiming each hour of sitting cuts two hours from lifespan
- Even daily gym-goers can't offset the damage of sitting all day — the research is clear
- Works at about 1 mph doing writing, emails, Skype calls, and webinars with no issues
- Speed range from 0.4 mph (barely noticeable) to 4 mph (light jog) accommodates all work types
- Reports feeling more productive, alert, and focused while walking versus sitting
- Body composition improved — getting leaner from burning extra calories throughout the day
- Lifespan brand treadmill desk cost about $1,700 with electronic height adjustment (free shipping)
- No significant adjustment period — transition to working while walking was fast and easy
Key Moments
Why even fit people need a treadmill desk
Stefan explains that despite working out daily and doing fitness competitions, Dr. Levine's research convinced him that gym exercise cannot offset hours of sitting. The history of the chair and sedentary work is a product of the industrial revolution.
"what really inspired me to invest in a treadmill desk was actually a book. And the book is called Get Up. And it's called Get Up, Why Your Chair is Killing You and What You Should Do About It."
More productive walking than sitting — the opposite of what you'd expect
Stefan reports that walking at 1 mph while working actually increased his productivity. More oxygen and blood flow activates the brain, making him feel more alert and focused compared to sitting.
"What I've found is that I've been more productive because when you're actually moving and you're breathing, you're taking in more oxygen, what happens is it activates different parts of your brain. You feel more alert. You feel more focused. You feel more energetic."
Treadmill desk as a life-changing investment
Stefan considers the treadmill desk one of his top two investments ever, noting his body is getting leaner and he can't imagine going back to sitting after experiencing the benefits.
"Once you read this book, especially, I don't know how you can continue sitting once you know the research and the information and the effects of it. Now that I have this and I use it every day, going back to sitting is insane."
