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I am writing this very post as I walk at a leisurely pace, using my Stress Relief DIY Treadmill Desk!
Me? DIY?!?!? It’s no secret that I’m not a crafter or a DIY-er. But, I had this little problem (or set of little problems), and I wanted to find a suitable solution to these problems. Thus, I (and my wonderful husband) pieced together this Stress Relief DIY Treadmill Desk.
Why pay hundreds, or even thousands, for an under desk treadmill? I’ve got your DIY treadmill desk ideas right here!
Problem #1: Treadmill? What treadmill?
I have a treadmill that, for long stretches of time, gathers dust.
Before having children, we bought a treadmill. With my sun sensitivity and not being an outdoorsy marathoner like the hubs (!), I wanted a way to exercise indoors. I used the treadmill sporadically, and when we had our children, I used the treadmill even less.
Problem #2: Time? What time?
The time I have to exercise is the same limited amount of time I have to work on other things (family finances, blogging, etc.).
Since we homeschool, the bulk of my weekdays is spent educating the children, which I love. However, it leaves less time for other necessary activities (EXERCISE, non-school family time, laundry, meal prep, etc.) and personal pursuits (EXERCISE, reading, blogging, time with friends, etc.).
Problem #3: Pain in the neck!
Sitting at the computer for long periods of time wreaks havoc on my neck & shoulders & doesn’t do any favors for the rest of my body.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m working at the computer for a long stretch of time, my neck, shoulders, and upper back take a beating. Cumulatively, over time, this can cause major pain…if I’m not proactive. I would not wish my pre-DIY Treadmill Desk “neck tightness headaches” on anyone. Some people might be able to sit at the computer for hours on end with no physical effects. I am not one of those people. For me, the effects of “forward neck” are no joke.
SOLUTION: Walking Desk DIY Treadmill Desk
There are several simple components to this Stress Relief DIY Treadmill Desk…the best treadmill desk build your own style, in my opinion!
Component #1:Ā The “Desk” Part
This was the main treadmill desk DIY part. We measured the width of the treadmill arms to determine how long the desk needed to be. Then, we headed to Home Depot to purchase the necessary items.
- melamine white shelf board (Home Depot Internet Item #202089061) (cut to size at Home Depot)
- screw eyes, 2 packages (Home Depot Item #887480165418)
- bungee cords, assorted sizes
Back at home, we drilled pilot holes where the four eye hooks needed to be and then screwed them in. We placed the board across the treadmill arms and attached the bungee cords. The treadmill desk attachment DIY (the “desk” part) was finished!
Component #2: Laptop Stand
Even with the great DIY treadmill desk, I still needed a raised place to put my laptop. Thankfully, I found this laptop stand! It allows the laptop to sit at my eye level, which prevents my neck from angling downward. It fastens securely to the treadmill with two straps. There is also a “seatbelt” strap for the laptop itself.
Component #3: External Keyboard & Mouse
Since the laptop is raised, I also needed an external keyboard and mouse, which actually sit on the DIY treadmill desk itself. This keyboard/mouse bundle looks, feels, and works great.
This Stress Relief DIY Treadmill Desk solves all 3 of my problems.
The treadmill gets used for its intended purpose…exercise! I can multi-task by exercising and doing computer work at the same time. My neck isn’t tilted downward at a crazy angle, and my body is moving!
Now, I’m not planning to run while this set-up is in place…wouldn’t be prudent! My body doesn’t run (or even jog) anyway. I’m talking about a nice slow pace…just something to get the body moving, rather than sitting, for a longer period of time. For now, 2.0 mph seems to be my sweet spot. Besides, if I did figure out how to run (!), all of the standing desk treadmill components are easily removable.
The first time I tried using the new set-up, I walked 2.74 miles! The screen was at the perfect level for me. I was working on the computer the entire time, and my neck did not hurt! I’d say it was a success.
Since then, the miles have continued to add up, and the results have been the same (I’m getting exercise + getting work done + no neck pain). Major success!
DIY Treadmill Desk Cost
Assuming you already have the treadmill, the treadmill desk cost is relatively inexpensive, given the amount of benefit that comes from it. We paid approximately $73.00 for all the necessary components.
- white melamine board = $13.00
- screw eyes, 2 packages = $3.00
- laptop stand = $43.00
- bungee cords, assorted sizes = $14.00
So, dust off your treadmill, turn it into a treadmill for under a desk, and get some exercise to boot!
Nice…nice pictures, nice blogging…:)
What a fantastic idea! I have actually been toying around with purchasing a specific treadmill desk for years, but since I have an exercise treadmill I haven’t wanted to double up. I might give your treadmill desk hack a try!
Hi Melissa! You should give it a try! The treadmill desks I looked at online were super expensive. This set-up is quite affordable!
We have a treadmill just collecting dust as well. This a creative alternative to get moving while blogging! Thanks for sharing this idea!
You’re welcome, Brittany! I’m so glad to be getting a little exercise!
Oooh, I have always wanted one of these, so jealous! Love it!
This is incredibly cool, and something I would totally be interested in! Is it harder to type and read the keyboard though when you are on the treadmill? I only ask because whenever I have tried to read a book or my Kindle while at the gym, I am moving so much it is often hard for me to read.
Good question! It’s hasn’t been a problem for me, but I keep the speed pretty low, so I’m not jostling around too much!
Oh, wooow! I absolutely LOVE your treadmill desk, and I relate to everything you said about working at the computer. I have to show this to my hubby! I really would love to have a setup like yours! ā¤ļø
Thanks, Vessy! Totally show the hubs!
Love this! I have a desk job, and it wreaks havoc on my lower back. Wish I could have this in my office!
Hi Kara! It doesn’t hurt to ask! Maybe they’d be receptive to some sort of standing desk, without the treadmill?
What a great way to counteract the health dangers of sitting around all day!
Oh I would LOVE one of these! I just also need a treadmill… lol!
Such a great idea! I need to think of doing this but I need to get a treadmill first. ha
This is genius! I also have very limited time and have a similar struggle. But I donāt have a treadmill!
Since sitting and now just standing are the new smoking, this treadmill desk is the answer. Is it difficult to work on? Thank you for sharing. Excellent.
Hi Verla! I’ve found it easy to work on, at a reasonable speed, of course!
Did the dual motion of walking and typing prove to be an issue at all in the beginning? May sound funny but I wondered if I could effectively do both.
Hi Kim! Good question. I didn’t have a problem with that, even from the get go.
OMG…this is genius!!
Thanks, Anitra!
Very creative. Those are becoming more popular but this is a great idea if you already have a treadmill at home.
This is amazing! Definitely something I would utilize (if we had a treadmill, lol). Way to multitask, mama!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
What a fantastic idea! I love things that allow you to multitask. Now all I have to do is buy myself a treadmill!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
I LOVE this! I love this idea so much more than sitting on one of those balance balls while trying to work. I might have to get another treadmill. š
Very clever. I like to multi-task and often get bored while on the treadmill s thatās a great idea!
This is such a brilliant idea! Right now I only get up and moving away from the computer when the dogs are restless and demand attention. This is so much better than two puppies crashing around my chair!
Love, love, love!! Good for you for finding solutions to problems in such creative ways!
Thanks, Melina!
What a great idea! The only problem I would have I think is typing and walking at the same time lol An way to get it all done, love it
Oh my! Of all the wonderful DIY projects I have seen, I might actually have to do this one! It is so perfect for my needs and stresses!
Love it!