# Standing desks and treadmills at work to hit step counts

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/standing-desks-and-treadmills-at-work-to-hit-step-counts/19498>\
**Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Tags:** cardio, treadmill, walking\
**Created:** [February 12, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/standing-desks-and-treadmills-at-work-to-hit-step-counts/19498 "2026-02-12T12:59:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![nico\_eh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@nico\_eh](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/nico_eh)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/standing-desks-and-treadmills-at-work-to-hit-step-counts/19498/1 "2026-02-12T12:59:26Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Austin\_Baraki](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/austin_baraki/32/1095_2.png) [@Austin\_Baraki](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Austin_Baraki)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/standing-desks-and-treadmills-at-work-to-hit-step-counts/19498/2 "2026-02-12T13:00:14Z")

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Yes, I would encourage this if it is your most practical way to increase activity.

I use one myself and routinely hit 15-20+k steps per day.