Hi BBM hivemind!
I feel much better when I hit my daily step count (arbitrarily at 10k). I am sure a large part of it is movement+blood flow, and another is having been outside, fresh air, natural light, etc.
That being said, I am a father of 3 sons under 3 (twins included), and between (in no particular order) a full time job, cooking healthy meals at home, household chores, raising kids, being a husband, commuting, resistance training 3x a week at night, etc etc, I often struggle to get my 10k steps. I try to run during lunch breaks, but in recent weeks, work hasn’t allowed for it.
I am considering getting a lightweight, standing desk-friendly treadmill to get 10k steps in during endless work calls. Any insights as to whether this is helpful to meet health guidelines, or is it a gimmick that isn’t worth it?
My hypothesis is it is helpful, but not as much as going on a brisk walk outdoors. One is better off prioritizing the latter, and if one has the disposable income, then it doesn’t hurt to use the treadmill combined with a standing desk. Finally getting to the specific question I want to answer: I just want to know if doing using the treadmill (hypothetically, exclusively) moves the needle beyond “doesn’t hurt” at all, into “beneficial to health” zone?
Extra info: Speeds and inclines are supported, but quite moderate compared to a heavy duty treadmill.