Work It!

This Desk Was Made for Walking

Cindy Miller Communications (CMC) has been a proud owner of a walking desk for nearly seven years. True, it gets more use in the first quarter of each year, when we’re all extra motivated by the start of a new year. But, we honestly can say it gets good use year-round by our team members.

Joe Gorley is known to drink coffee while stepping. Kimberly Petty jumps on it to warm up (our office is cold!). Erin Ellingwood often is trying to win a challenge. And, Edward Miller generously shares it with the rest of us — it was a gift to him in the first place.

We incorporated the walking desk into our office design after hearing the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking.” Like many, we discovered we sat way too much during an ordinary workday. This desk helps keep us moving.

Here’s why the CMC team members love the walking desk.

• We can rock a weekly challenge.
We are almost always in a step challenge, especially now that we’re part of FitnessBank, a lifestyle bank that rewards high-steppers with a higher saving account interest rate. Several of us have an AppleWatch, and that buzz you get at 10 minutes before the hour reminds us to get up and get moving. Sometimes we walk outside, sometimes we jump on the walking desk.

• It’s a good brain break.
We’re busy, and always working on multiple projects. The walking desk gives us the chance to give our brains a break from one project before moving on to another.

• Conference calls take on added meaning.
Let’s admit it, some conference calls are just plain boring, especially the ones where you just listen in and there are dozens of people on the call. So, we multitask and get some steps in.

• Our walking desk looks good.
It’s topped by a custom-made desk, designed and created by Mike Lawson, owner of Stains and Splinters.

• The walking desk isn’t our only option.
We all have traditional desks, too. That’s an important factor to keep in mind if you’re considering adding one to your office. Sometimes, you still need to sit down.

– Cindy Miller, a Woodstock resident and CEO of Cindy Miller Communications.