While walking on the treadmill this morning, I started thinking about the different uses for a treadmill. Obviously, it’s meant for exercise. But in addition to walking or running, one can really get a lot of thinking done on the treadmill. I sometimes come up with great ideas on the treadmill. And then I have to stop the treadmill, get a pad and pen, and write down my thoughts before I forget. I should keep a pad and pen next to the treadmill, I know.
Some people who work at home use treadmill desks. I just learned that the treadmill desk was invented by a physician at the Mayo Clinic! I first heard about the treadmill desk from a nurse at a conference. She works in telehealth from home and uses a treadmill desk. She literally walks for up to eight hours a day.
Besides thinking and working on the treadmill, it’s a great place to pray or meditate. Turn on some music – or not – and you can really maximize the solitude. Or you can use treadmill time to listen to a motivational speaker or a book on CD. Some people strategically place a television in front of the treadmill.
Finally, I read a post on facebook by a friend whose family had given her a treadmill as a birthday/Christmas present. She thanked them for the new “clothesline.” If nothing else, a treadmill is a great way to dry clothes or store things off the floor. (You just don’t get the health benefits.)
Enjoy your treadmill today – you never know what you’ll get out of it!