To me, the under-desk treadmill is the ultimate symbol of productivity culture (read: late-stage capitalism). And I’m exactly the type to buy into the under-desk treadmill appeal. Why shouldn’t I want to walk while I work, burn calories during calls, and transform my sedentary office prisons into a wellness wonderland—all without sacrificing a single billable hour? (Never mind that I don’t work in an office or bill my hours.) Office fitness is the perfect hack for our optimization-obsessed culture, promising that we can have it all: career success and physical health, no trade-offs required.
But when I see an under-desk treadmill, I also remember when we all swore that replacing our desk chairs with yoga balls would change our lives. Or that a standing desk, or a balance board, or some kind of pedaling contraption would do the same. In other words, nothing ever changes. I’m not denying that there’s a problem with fully sedentary work days; it’s just that no one gadget ever seems to be the solution. And the problem isn’t that we lack willpower or that the products are inherently flawed. The problem is that we’re buying solutions to the wrong problem.
The allure of multitasking your way to health
I’m not immune to the fantasy either. When you’re drowning in deadlines and meetings bleed into evenings, the idea that you could somehow merge your workout with your workday feels like a lifeline. Why carve out an hour for the gym when you could just walk while answering emails? It’s efficient! It’s smart! It’s…probably not going to work the way you hope.
Office Fitness Gadgets Are Selling You a Fantasy
