Recently I had a chance to chat with the owners of Walk-i-Task, Chris and Jordan Fischer, about their home based startup that’s going to transform the way we work from home.
Before the outbreak of Covid-19 changed everything for all of us, they had already started to think about a new and innovative product for remote workers like you and I to help us move more and improve our wellbeing while working at home.
The pandemic may have slowed things down a bit for them, but their ultimate goal was never in question — developing a simple solution that could transform the treadmill you already own into a treadmill desk.
Forget about running out and buying one of those expensive all-in-one models. Instead, they wanted to create a desk attachment that could be used on a standard treadmill and that is exactly what they set out to do with the Walk-i-Task.
As an added bonus we have an exclusive offer to come so read on. Let’s get started!
Working from Home is Here to Stay
Chris and Jordan saw early on that this transition to work from home was not just about Covid — it just sped up a trend that was already happening.
This gentle forced push into remote work has made many of us fall in love with the idea. We want to keep working from home now that we’re on the other end of the pandemic, but that doesn’t come without challenges.
When You Work from Home You Move Less
One of the biggest problems they identified on their own work from home journey was that they were moving a lot less than they had in the corporate world.
Chris and Jordan understood right away the negative impact that sitting all day could have on your body and state of mind.
After a little bit of initial research they realized that there were tons of people out there that could use a product like Walk-i-Task. The demand was there.
DIY Solutions Can Create New Problems
Browsing through social media they came across a lot of people creating their own DIY solutions so that they could use their laptop while burning some calories on their treadmill.
All of these homemade solutions shared one thing in common — they made you twist your body or hunch over in unnatural positions.
That’s bad for your posture and that can mean back, shoulder and neck pain. You might be moving more, but you’re creating other bigger problems for yourself instead.
Deep down they knew there was a better option out there. Enter the Walk-i-Task — an ergonomic desk attachment for your treadmill.
Treadmill Desks Are too Expensive for Many Remote Workers
Solutions did already exist. The problem was they were prohibitively expensive. A decent treadmill desk costs between $3000 and $6000 — that is a big spend to move more while working at home.
Remote workers want to move more, but they don’t want to empty their bank account to do it. That was the perfect opening for Walk-i-Task.
Chris and Jordan saw a lot of people with the same pain points. They wanted to move more throughout the day, but their DIY solutions to work while on their treadmill were not cutting it.
I know I have tried some interesting DIY solutions to stand up and move while working in my home office — you probably have too. They don’t work very well.
After doing some initial social media polling and sending some early samples for people to test, the feedback was nothing but positive. There was a clear need out there for a cheaper solution than a full blown treadmill desk.
They felt this acutely themselves because they were experiencing it first hand. Sitting all day working from home was taking a major toll on them both physically and mentaly.
With a sales and entrepreneurial background they felt they had the toolset to create a solution to a problem that they and so many others were having working from home as well.
A Treadmill Desk Attachment Like Walk-i-Task is An Easy and Affordable Solution
In December of 2021, Chris and Jordan launched their affordable treadmill desk attachment revolution.
With a majority of the workforce either working from home fulltime or at least in a hybrid capacity, there was a real need for a product like Walk-i-Task.
If you already own a treadmill, why would you want to buy an expensive new treadmill desk when this height adjustable desk attachment can transform your existing machine into one for a fraction of the cost?
How the Walk-i-Task Works
Standing desks and treadmill desks have been around for a number of years. That’s because a lot of people both in the office and at home would rather stand up and move more while working.
We know that sitting for long periods isn’t good for us and we want to do something about it.
With the Walk-i-Task you can change that treadmill in your basement into an actual treadmill desk.
It attaches to the arms of your treadmill with a couple of simple knobs and it fits pretty much any treadmill built in the last 20 years.
It’s easy to setup and easy to remove when you want a more intense workout on your treadmill without anything in the way.
This adjustable desk attachment for treadmills is packed with features. Here’s a quick breakdown to give you a better picture:
- Made from durable aluminum
- Arrives fully assembled
- Adjustable arm clamps and width
- Large 23 x 12 work surface
- Height adjustable
- Desktop angle can be adjusted
- Ventilation holes to prevent laptop overheating
- Includes rubber wrist rests
- Two levels for flexible usage
The fact that it’s fully height adjustable is a great feature.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re 5’2 or 6’3 — you can adjust the desk with a simple turn of a knob to a height that’s comfortable for you.
They’re even working on a modification that will allow you to drop the desk down lower if you’re under 5’0.
The Walk-i-Task Even Works On An Incline
Many treadmills allow you to set your machine on an incline to increase the intensity of your workout.
With the Walk-i-Task you can use the incline function on your treadmill without having to worry about your laptop sliding off the end.
That’s because you can adjust the angle of your desktop so that your work surface remains level.
You can keep typing away, checking your email or talking on that Zoom meeting without missing a beat.
It’s also a great option if you want to read a good old fashioned book while you walk — you can tilt your desktop and read away!
A Treadmill Desktop Attachment With A Large Working Surface
One concern I had when I heard about the Walk-i-Task was did it have a large enough surface to work comfortably?
It’s a reasonable question to ask and one that Jordan and Chris didn’t shy away from. And why would they? It actually measures 23 inches by 12 inches— that’s plenty of room for your laptop, notepad and a mouse.
Checkout the video below for a demonstration of just how big the work surface is.
There are even two shelves, so if you prefer to use a bluetooth keyboard you can keep that on your lower shelf and your laptop on the upper shelf.
They’ve addressed pretty much everything you can think of in their design and anything they haven’t they’re working on!
For Jordan and Chris improving their product to create a better user experience is their number one priority.
Is The Walk-i-Task Stable Enough to Safely Work on Your Laptop While Walking?
If you’re walking on a treadmill and typing on a laptop, you’ll probably worry about stability — especially with a desk attached directly to your treadmill.
It was another thing that Chris and Jordan looked at in the design process.
With its seamless attachment process and multiple points of contact it’s completely stable and virtually vibration free.
You won’t have to worry about your laptop vibrating off the edge. Leaving you more time to work on your coordination so you can walk and type at the same time.
What Tasks Can You Realistically Use Walk-i-Task for?
While it might seem like a great idea to spend all of your working day on your treadmill desk, it’s not really practical. Some tasks are easier to perform while you’re walking.
Based on hundreds of conversations with customers and potential customers, Chris and Jordan have found that there are some common tasks that just fit better than others.
The Walk-i-Task treadmill desk attachment is great for video conferencing. You can get up and move, boost your energy levels and that will make it easier to stay focused and engaged with your meeting.
Checking emails in the morning is another simple task that’s easy to do while you walk. If you usually set aside 30 minutes to clean up your inbox in the AM, why not burn some calories while you do it?
It’s also great when you’re doing some reading and research. You can do the mental prep for that next article or report and get your blood flowing at the same time. As an added bonus you’ll be energized for the actual writing part as well.
Another way Chris and Jordan like to use it is just after lunch. They find it helps to give you an afternoon boost when your energy levels are starting to slump. That can be just what you need to power you through to the end of the day.
Can You Run While Using A Treadmill Desk?
Each of us has to find our own comfort levels, but having said that, running on a treadmill while typing on a keyboard isn’t easy and probably isn’t safe. Chris and Jordan do not reccomend using their treadmill desk attachment while running.
Most people use the Walk-i-Task and their treadmill at a comfortable walking pace — somewhere between 1.5 and 3 mph.
How Long Can You Use the Walk-i-Task Adjustable Desk Attachment in a Work Day?
There are ironman users that use it for most of their work day, but most fit in about 1 or 2 hours a day.
If you aim for 2 or 3 sessions during your work day of about 30 to 45 minutes, you can add to your daily step count and make movement a big part of your daily routine.
Keep in mind that a treadmill task is meant to supplement your daily exercise, not replace it.
It’s still important to do those daily strength training sessions and to walk outside when the weather’s cooperating.
How Walk-i-Task Can Help You Socialize More When Working from Home
There are dozens of fitness apps out there that allow you to compete against friends, family and strangers in daily challenges. It’s a great way to socialize more and stay in shape at the same time.
Isolation and loneliness are a big challenge when working from home and this is just another great tool to help you combat these less than ideal side effects of remote work.
Other Potential Uses for Treadmill Desk Attachments
When talking about other uses for a treadmill desk attachment, Chris and Jordan have some great ideas.
They see it as a potentially great way to get kids up and moving more.
The days of playing outside for 8 hours a day have long since been replaced by indoor screen time and video games.
Why not think about getting the kids on a Walk-i-Task for half an hour of video game time?
It’s an innovative approach to encourage more movement and healthier habits.
They also think it could be a great tool for employers with remote workers to encourage more active lifestyles for home based employees.
Many companies are now offering work from home stipends for exercise initiatives and this could be a great fit for that.
What’s Next for Walk-i-Task?
The sky’s the limit for Walk-i-Task. The treadmill desk attachment first launched in the U.S., but is now in the process of expanding into Canada.
In the near future they plan on exploring overseas markets such as Europe, Australia and beyond.
They’d also like to see more corporate partnerships with treadmill equipment manufacturers such as NordicTrack and they’ve already taken some preliminary steps in that direction.
Another possibility would be to link up with major North American Gyms such as GoodLife.
Why not add 2 or 3 Walk-i-Task treadmill desk attachments on the end of that row of treadmills in your favorite gym?
It could be a great way to encourage more people to get back to the gym after the challenges of covid.
In our busy lives we often feel we don’t have the time to fit in a gym workout.
If you can bring your laptop along with you and get some research time in while you step you won’t have to feel so guilty about how you’re spending your time.
The same logic could be applied to those small gyms in hotels for business travelers. For the hotel, it could be that one extra benefit that attracts more guests to book a stay.
How to Find A Walk-i-Task for Your Treadmill
The Walk-i-Task is a game changer. If you’re ready to add one to your walk from home set up the best way to do it is to visit their site directly. It’s easily one of the most affordable options available to you if you already own a treadmill.
They even have a great built in live chat system on their site with a bit of a twist — it’s actually manned by live company reps, not robots. For Chris and Jordan that personal touch is important.
Walk-i-Task comes with a 21 day risk free trial.
They’ve also provided me with an exclusive discount code to offer you. When you order your Walk-i-Task enter the code “REMOTEOFF” and you’ll get $50 off the original price.
Head on over to their site now and leave that sedentary lifestyle behind forever!
