Exercise equipment: Does it belong at the desk?

January: the month when the big winter holidays have ended, a new year has begun, and the collective focus starts to shift back to getting healthy again. If one of your resolutions is to have a healthier new you in the new year, you might be brainstorming on some ways to make some positive changes. Often, we see an uptick in requests for ergonomic evaluations at the beginning of each year, which is awesome! 

Another thing we see at the beginning of each year, though, is more exercise equipment being brought into offices, which is not so awesome. Why not? Why would your ergonomist be against this, when so many TikTok videos expound on the virtues of jogging while you write reports, cycling while you call a few clients, or balancing on a balance board while you balance that spreadsheet? 

When you’re working, your mind is (hopefully) on your work, and not your posture. Your posture – while at your desk – needs to put you in a comfortable, neutral, supported posture without you having to think too much about it. Exercise equipment takes you out of neutral posture, and often leaves you unsupported – not a big deal at all if you’re actively exercising and thinking about exercise. But it is a big deal if you’re challenging your posture while your mind is on your work. 

When you work a sedentary job, working more movement into your day is always a good thing. And if having dedicated equipment nearby helps you remember to take some movement breaks, then that’s great. But purposeful, safe, mindful movement is key. 

Here’s a good schedule to follow: at least once an hour, take a short break – even just 2 or 3 minutes – and move around. This can be as simple as walking to the breakroom to fill up your water bottle. But – if it’s what you prefer to do – it could be a great time for a mini-workout: a few reps with weights that you keep at your desk, a set of crunches, etc. Just make sure that you’re staying safe by following these tips: 

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Keep your mind on what you’re doing. 

This is the big disconnect that we typically see: People bring exercise equipment into the office, and then try to use it while they’re working – and it just doesn’t work. Divide these two tasks, and you’ll have better outcomes for both. 

Don’t force yourself to work out during every microbreak. 

Hourly movement can take any form; a relaxing stroll around the building is just fine. So is doing a few gentle stretches. Make sure you’re listening to your body, and not overdoing it.  

If you do bring in some exercise equipment, keep it small and safe – some light weights, a yoga mat, etc. 

Things like exercise balls can roll and get in other people’s spaces, and create a trip hazard even for those that aren’t using them. Things that challenge your balance, like a balance board, can lead to falls. Under-desk treadmills and elliptical machines are heavy and bulky, and can negatively affect the ergonomics of your desk. All of those things can be replaced by those mindful walks around the office. 

Make sure anything you bring in is ok with your Facilities department. 

Again, things like light weights or a yoga mat are usually fine because they don’t create a hazard and can be kept out of other people’s space. But always ask, just in case. And larger pieces of equipment are usually not ok with most Facilities departments. 

In a society that encourages multi-tasking, it can be hard to give yourself permission to do one thing at a time. But this is one situation where it’s honestly the best overall choice. Get that movement in, but divide the tasks; when you work, let your mind be on work, and when you exercise, let your movements be the focus.