Consumer Reports tests treadmill desks

Sitting at a desk all day can be unhealthy, but work still needs to get done. Now new treadmill desks let you complete your tasks and workout at the same time. Consumer Reports has partnered exclusively with 7 On Your Side to check them out.

Like many of us, Chris Brown felt sitting at a desk all day drained his energy. So he made a change. For the past six weeks, Brown has been working and walking at his new treadmill desk. It's not really for exercise, but to keep your metabolism above a resting rate. The recommended speed while working is less than two miles per hour.

"I can do pretty much anything at the treadmill desk that I can do sitting down behind a desk," said Brown.

Consumer Reports tested two treadmill desks, using a panel of 12 staffers.

"We had them read and type on the computer, we had them talk on the phone, and we had them surf the Internet," said a Consumer Reports tester.

The Workfit 1030 by Exerpeutic is less expensive at $750, but for some it wasn't comfortable.

"It's not an ideal height for a short person. Because as you can see my shoulders are hunched up, and if you type for any length of time, it's just, it's not doable," said a Consumer Reports tester.

And several panelists complained their feet kept hitting the motor casing.

"Ergonomically it was just easier to walk and work on the LifeSpan," said a Consumer Reports tester.

The LifeSpan TR1200 DT5 costs twice as much, $1,500, but most panelists preferred it.

"The overall stability of this machine is very sound," said a Consumer Reports tester.

As for Chris Brown, he says switching to a treadmill desk is worth it.

"I just feel better about myself both physically and psychologically," said Brown.

Consumer Reports found it takes some time to get used to walking while you work. And the panelists say surfing the web was easier than trying to write with a pen or using a computer mouse.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2010. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Get more 7 On Your Side »

consumer reports, 7 on your side, michael finney

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•