Improve your work life and shop the Walkolution Standard or Kybun Treadmill and save 150€ on your order with my Coupon Code: CHRISSPIEGL Walkolution Standard: crsp.li/Walkolution Walkolution Kybun: crsp.li/WalkolutionKybun
I have been using treadmill desks for 9+yrs, I am looking into this product but there are not many reviews, and importantly long term use reviews. I use my walking desk 8hrs a day, so I am curious about the maintenance, life span of parts, and noise level. For example, what is the decibel comparison to a lifespan treadmill? Do you know anyone who has been using this product for a longer period, say 1-2yrs+? I can see paying a higher price for a well built product, but I would like more user feedback before switching or upgrading from my current setup. How different is the walk vs using the electronic flat treadmill? The sheer lack of product reviews does throw up a red flag for a high priced product that may not deliver, there is essentially you as a reviewer and a student, so it makes me think aside from possibly getting a free one for making the review video, its not really worth the price. I would like to think it is, but I have to do my research.
Hi Ray, I absolutely understand your perspective and agree… there need to be more reviews. I think the main challenge here is that most people who buy this product are not going to make reviews (think managers / upper level execs / or people who bought this for their employees in an open floor office or such). I can only speak from my experience over the past months (I have been using the Walkolution since Feb or March). The walking experience is way more natural than on the electric, but as I mentioned in my videos about it, it's also more challenging because you are not "forced to walk" as you are on an electric. The decibel is much more pleasing and less distracting than with an electric. There is no shaving as you always have with the belt on an electric. The maintenance is 0. In comparison to an electric which is a belt which is under constant stress and friction with the treadmill board, on the Walkolution you have a couple hundred ball-bearings which are what the belt with it's wood planks is moving over. Where I have to apply (and buy) lube for my electric treadmill every month, there simply is 0 of that on the Walkolution. I can also speak from the perspective of some 2 or 3 people who have bought a Walkolution after emailing me questions about it and all of those are very happy with their decision and use it almost daily. I can add that none of the people who purchased the Walkolution through my code have returned their Walkolution. Which I would count as positive feedback cause I would not keep something that cost a few thousand just cause the return process is complicated. I can also recommend speaking to the team behind Walkolution for any specific questions you may have, they are very open to helping you. And alternatively… If you have any other questions, you can reach out to me via email or reply here. I am happy to help you any way I can.
@@devonpeters9458 I am using the Walkolution most days with the free standing desk. Every now and then I also use the FitiFito electric treadmill because it is easier to move around and I can put it in front of the TV when desired.
@@devonpeters9458 , I used three brands over the years, and use lifespan fitness now. Customer service is great, but it’s still not the perfect product, all electric treadmill motors go out eventually, I tend to get a year+ out of each motor, which is ok considering it’s being used 40hrs a week. They all eventually start to get louder over time, and need maintenance. There are more options now, it’s good that there is competition to drive up quality. It’s tough though, there are no stores where you can try different brands to make an informed decision.
@@ChrisSpiegl it’s a valid point, and on a Long Term 4900€ maybe a lesser investment than all the health problems one would have to deal with when one gets older. But I have to admit, 4900€ pricetag for a wooden treadmill does scare the hell out of me. 😅
@@suzyaero/videos I completely understand you. I would absolutely have to think twice as well before making an investment like this. However, looking at alternatives (electric ones) you are also going to spend upward of 2k for a good one (lifespan treadmill desks). But the benefits of the walkolution are great: - the belt is on ball-bearings and basically has no wear/tear - you don't have any maintenance (electric treadmills and their belts need maintenance on the belt (lubrication and possibly even replace it after a few years) and the motor may also break). - and lastly you of course need electricity (and if you use the treadmill on a daily basis for hours at a time that can also add up over the years). Just a few thoughts to keep in mind. And if you want to get started with something less expensive (and already own a standing desk) maybe an inexpensive flat treadmill is interesting (I have some links in the description of this video showing one).
Thank you, I appreciate that. For standing without the aid: I think it is possible when you pull the desk back (I am standing on it right now). It's easiest with your feet a bit apart touching the outer rim, but it is also possible to just stand firm in the middle with a straight back. Nothing moving below my feet as long as I don't lean forward and start walking.
The price of this product is absolutely ridiculous. The developers of this product seem absolutely clueless and out of touch with reality. For the 99% of people, there's lots of regular treadmills you can modify to fit under your desk and a sit-stand desk from Amazon for $200.
I’d love to hear more about how it feels when walking. Does it assist or speed up with you or does it feel very manual and fatiguing? Deciding between kybun and original as well
It does speed up / slow down based on your effort and movement. Basically, the further in the front you walk, the faster you'll have to walk to keep up. In the back there is an area where you can basically stand still and in the front/middle you can casually walk. I have found it very easy to walk on for long sessions of work. The one thing is if you are aiming for a certain amount of steps, it's easier to get those with an electric assisted because it's forcing the movement based on the set speed. With this, if you "don't feel like walking" you can just stop without thinking about it. Kybun vs. Original: I found the Kybun worlds more comfortable to walk on. Especially barefoot. It feels so good and easy. If that's in reach, absolutely go for it.
Can the treadmill go backwards? When you leave against the back rest can your feet move forward? Does the treadmill have different levels of resistance?
Hi Frankus, the Walkolution Treadmill only goes one direction and when you lean against the back-rest and push the other direction it is more or less stationary (it very slowly can slide toward the desk but that's easy enough to adjust for while standing and helps so that you don't stand still too much 🙈). In terms of levels of resistance: there is no "adjustment" on the device but you can manage different speeds by walking further at the front and if you want it even faster, the feed shown in this video can be used to bring the front higher and with that make the whole device faster. Hoppe that helps.
Thank you for making these videos! It appears the Ara desk now comes in two different sizes - a 120 cm option and a 155 cm option. It looks as though you have the 120 cm size, but could you please confirm?
Yes, I have the 120cm version. They also can make any custom width you'd like upon request. Personally I would prefer if it would be a 180cm or something like that. But with bigger size you also have more swing in the legs as per usual.
Could you please make a video where you make sure you have silence in the room so that one could hear the noise of the device, if you have the meter, you could also measure the dBs, Cheers!
Unsure you are still around, but wondering if there are presets for the Ara desk? For those who sit and stand at various times, it's very critical. But I don't see anything about preset heights in any reviews or even the manual.
In my unit, there are no height presets. But I believe when you contact Walkolution they may have a unit that does provide this feature. Personally, I did not find the lack of presets an issue. It was easy enough to adjust manually.
Thanks for the review Chris. What kind of work can you not do while walking? You say you can do video editing. I am a graphic designer working with a Wacom tablet and feel like I may not be able to work and walk at the same time, my lower body movement making my hands shake, hence making me lose the stability and accuracy I need. And if I have to stand still most of the time and only walk for the hour or so I am browsing or writing emails, that's a bit pricey.
Hello Stéphane, and great you are interested in the Walkolution. I think you may be right. My personal experience, work I can easily do while walking: - Video Editing - Research, Reading, & Internet Browsing - Replying/Writing of Emails - Planning & Organization - Script Writing (general Writing) - Some light photo editing in Lightroom - small amounts of programming Work I don't enjoy doing while walking: - Programming (long sessions and complicated projects) - Graphics Editing or Photo Retouching Essentially, things that need a high precision with mind and body are not really ideal for the Walking. However, if you are in Germany, Walkolution does offer a 30 Day Try at Home Program which means you could get to know the setup and how useful it is for your work environment. I am not sure if they also offer this in other countries. So that would actually be my recommendation: check it out for yourself and find if it does fit you. Maybe the slower speeds can be great for creativity and your work. Cheers 🌸
@@steflad1/videos I see, that makes it different then. I hope you can find a good solution for yourself. I have also used a 400€ electric treadmill and combined that with my standing desk. Maybe that would be an interesting test for your: ua-cam.com/video/fnUpO6UTMwI/v-deo.html
I am VFX artist, which includes editing, modeling and painting, and have been using (electric) walking desks for 8+yrs, you will get used to the movement within a day or two. You can always slow your speed for precision work, but in most cases, you probably will not need to do so.
@@raysena8679 Thank you for sharing this Ray, that's a great perspective and very helpful. Do you find yourself stopping a lot when doing detailed work / when fatigued? And what is your average speed you set your treadmill to for comfortable working conditions?
It’s a very good Idea, but I think one could have a cheaper Setup by buying a Height Adjustable Table (Flexispot as example), and a mini treadmill elsewhere in the Market. Total probably Under 600€. These German manufacturers must justify the price tag somehow. :o
I'll repost my detailed response from another comment here again so it can be found easily: I completely understand you. I would absolutely have to think twice as well before making an investment like this. However, looking at alternatives (electric ones) you are also going to spend upward of 2k for a good one (lifespan treadmill desks). But the benefits of the walkolution are great: - the belt is on ball-bearings and basically has no wear/tear - you don't have any maintenance (electric treadmills and their belts need maintenance on the belt (lubrication and possibly even replace it after a few years) and the motor may also break). - and lastly you of course need electricity (and if you use the treadmill on a daily basis for hours at a time that can also add up over the years). Just a few thoughts to keep in mind. And if you want to get started with something less expensive (and already own a standing desk) maybe an inexpensive flat treadmill is interesting (video link below). But keep in mind: with an inexpensive treadmill like the one shown in the other video, you're going to replace that in a few years tops because of the belt or motor breaking. So, over the long term, the Walkolution is probably going to be the better investment. The Perfect Treadmill Desk: Manual Walkolution vs Electric Fitio (Treadmill Desk Review) ua-cam.com/video/xBQ2Wokk9DM/v-deo.html
I have no personal connection with the company and have actually never met any one of the team in person. I reached out to Walkolution at the start of 2021 and asked if they would be able to provide one of their Walkolution Treadmills for me to test and they did send one out without any further input on the videos I make or the things I say about the treadmill & desk. I am however, affiliated with them in the sense that when you use my link & coupon in the description, I will earn a commission. I am trying to be as honest as possible and also give alternatives (for example the electric treadmill I reviewed early 2021). I hope this is transparent for you. Cheers, Chris
I would call myself Independent. I have never met anyone from the Walkolution team (aside from a phone call and email exchange) up to this point. They did, however, provide the product for free (as I mentioned in the video) and I do earn a commission on sales made with my coupon code.
It's beautiful, looks like it's well designed and built, butttt let's talk about how this is 33% the cost of my new Toyota Camry. In other words, over 8,000 is a steep price. I'd get it if I stumble across a bag of $10,000 lol.
Improve your work life and shop the Walkolution Standard or Kybun Treadmill and save 150€ on your order with my Coupon Code: CHRISSPIEGL
Walkolution Standard: crsp.li/Walkolution
Walkolution Kybun: crsp.li/WalkolutionKybun
I have been using treadmill desks for 9+yrs, I am looking into this product but there are not many reviews, and importantly long term use reviews. I use my walking desk 8hrs a day, so I am curious about the maintenance, life span of parts, and noise level. For example, what is the decibel comparison to a lifespan treadmill? Do you know anyone who has been using this product for a longer period, say 1-2yrs+? I can see paying a higher price for a well built product, but I would like more user feedback before switching or upgrading from my current setup. How different is the walk vs using the electronic flat treadmill? The sheer lack of product reviews does throw up a red flag for a high priced product that may not deliver, there is essentially you as a reviewer and a student, so it makes me think aside from possibly getting a free one for making the review video, its not really worth the price. I would like to think it is, but I have to do my research.
Hi Ray, I absolutely understand your perspective and agree… there need to be more reviews. I think the main challenge here is that most people who buy this product are not going to make reviews (think managers / upper level execs / or people who bought this for their employees in an open floor office or such).
I can only speak from my experience over the past months (I have been using the Walkolution since Feb or March).
The walking experience is way more natural than on the electric, but as I mentioned in my videos about it, it's also more challenging because you are not "forced to walk" as you are on an electric.
The decibel is much more pleasing and less distracting than with an electric. There is no shaving as you always have with the belt on an electric.
The maintenance is 0. In comparison to an electric which is a belt which is under constant stress and friction with the treadmill board, on the Walkolution you have a couple hundred ball-bearings which are what the belt with it's wood planks is moving over. Where I have to apply (and buy) lube for my electric treadmill every month, there simply is 0 of that on the Walkolution.
I can also speak from the perspective of some 2 or 3 people who have bought a Walkolution after emailing me questions about it and all of those are very happy with their decision and use it almost daily.
I can add that none of the people who purchased the Walkolution through my code have returned their Walkolution. Which I would count as positive feedback cause I would not keep something that cost a few thousand just cause the return process is complicated.
I can also recommend speaking to the team behind Walkolution for any specific questions you may have, they are very open to helping you. And alternatively…
If you have any other questions, you can reach out to me via email or reply here. I am happy to help you any way I can.
What brand do you use and recommend now?
@@devonpeters9458 I am using the Walkolution most days with the free standing desk.
Every now and then I also use the FitiFito electric treadmill because it is easier to move around and I can put it in front of the TV when desired.
@@devonpeters9458 , I used three brands over the years, and use lifespan fitness now. Customer service is great, but it’s still not the perfect product, all electric treadmill motors go out eventually, I tend to get a year+ out of each motor, which is ok considering it’s being used 40hrs a week. They all eventually start to get louder over time, and need maintenance. There are more options now, it’s good that there is competition to drive up quality. It’s tough though, there are no stores where you can try different brands to make an informed decision.
@@raysena8679 @chris Spiegl thank you both for the feedback and thoughts!
Everything looks great, but, the price is enormous! This price is beyond budget of many of us.
I understand that, it definitely is a premium product. However, we do spend this kind of money easily on new cameras or lenses but not on our health?
@@ChrisSpiegl it’s a valid point, and on a Long Term 4900€ maybe a lesser investment than all the health problems one would have to deal with when one gets older. But I have to admit, 4900€ pricetag for a wooden treadmill does scare the hell out of me. 😅
@@suzyaero/videos I completely understand you. I would absolutely have to think twice as well before making an investment like this. However, looking at alternatives (electric ones) you are also going to spend upward of 2k for a good one (lifespan treadmill desks). But the benefits of the walkolution are great:
- the belt is on ball-bearings and basically has no wear/tear
- you don't have any maintenance (electric treadmills and their belts need maintenance on the belt (lubrication and possibly even replace it after a few years) and the motor may also break).
- and lastly you of course need electricity (and if you use the treadmill on a daily basis for hours at a time that can also add up over the years).
Just a few thoughts to keep in mind. And if you want to get started with something less expensive (and already own a standing desk) maybe an inexpensive flat treadmill is interesting (I have some links in the description of this video showing one).
Thanks for the nice and informative review!
Just one more question: Is it possible to stand comfortable on the walkolution without standing aid?
Thank you, I appreciate that. For standing without the aid: I think it is possible when you pull the desk back (I am standing on it right now). It's easiest with your feet a bit apart touching the outer rim, but it is also possible to just stand firm in the middle with a straight back. Nothing moving below my feet as long as I don't lean forward and start walking.
The price of this product is absolutely ridiculous. The developers of this product seem absolutely clueless and out of touch with reality. For the 99% of people, there's lots of regular treadmills you can modify to fit under your desk and a sit-stand desk from Amazon for $200.
Great video. I really like the wood top on the desk. Is that something you did yourself or did it come like that? The website has only black top.
The Ära Desk came like this. Maybe you can ask the Walkolution customer support if they still have this option available.
I’d love to hear more about how it feels when walking. Does it assist or speed up with you or does it feel very manual and fatiguing? Deciding between kybun and original as well
It does speed up / slow down based on your effort and movement. Basically, the further in the front you walk, the faster you'll have to walk to keep up. In the back there is an area where you can basically stand still and in the front/middle you can casually walk. I have found it very easy to walk on for long sessions of work.
The one thing is if you are aiming for a certain amount of steps, it's easier to get those with an electric assisted because it's forcing the movement based on the set speed. With this, if you "don't feel like walking" you can just stop without thinking about it.
Kybun vs. Original: I found the Kybun worlds more comfortable to walk on. Especially barefoot. It feels so good and easy. If that's in reach, absolutely go for it.
Can the treadmill go backwards? When you leave against the back rest can your feet move forward? Does the treadmill have different levels of resistance?
Hi Frankus, the Walkolution Treadmill only goes one direction and when you lean against the back-rest and push the other direction it is more or less stationary (it very slowly can slide toward the desk but that's easy enough to adjust for while standing and helps so that you don't stand still too much 🙈).
In terms of levels of resistance: there is no "adjustment" on the device but you can manage different speeds by walking further at the front and if you want it even faster, the feed shown in this video can be used to bring the front higher and with that make the whole device faster.
Hoppe that helps.
Thank you for making these videos! It appears the Ara desk now comes in two different sizes - a 120 cm option and a 155 cm option. It looks as though you have the 120 cm size, but could you please confirm?
Yes, I have the 120cm version. They also can make any custom width you'd like upon request. Personally I would prefer if it would be a 180cm or something like that. But with bigger size you also have more swing in the legs as per usual.
Could you please make a video where you make sure you have silence in the room so that one could hear the noise of the device, if you have the meter, you could also measure the dBs, Cheers!
Unsure you are still around, but wondering if there are presets for the Ara desk? For those who sit and stand at various times, it's very critical. But I don't see anything about preset heights in any reviews or even the manual.
In my unit, there are no height presets. But I believe when you contact Walkolution they may have a unit that does provide this feature. Personally, I did not find the lack of presets an issue. It was easy enough to adjust manually.
Thanks for the review Chris.
What kind of work can you not do while walking? You say you can do video editing.
I am a graphic designer working with a Wacom tablet and feel like I may not be able to work and walk at the same time, my lower body movement making my hands shake, hence making me lose the stability and accuracy I need. And if I have to stand still most of the time and only walk for the hour or so I am browsing or writing emails, that's a bit pricey.
Hello Stéphane, and great you are interested in the Walkolution. I think you may be right. My personal experience, work I can easily do while walking:
- Video Editing
- Research, Reading, & Internet Browsing
- Replying/Writing of Emails
- Planning & Organization
- Script Writing (general Writing)
- Some light photo editing in Lightroom
- small amounts of programming
Work I don't enjoy doing while walking:
- Programming (long sessions and complicated projects)
- Graphics Editing or Photo Retouching
Essentially, things that need a high precision with mind and body are not really ideal for the Walking.
However, if you are in Germany, Walkolution does offer a 30 Day Try at Home Program which means you could get to know the setup and how useful it is for your work environment. I am not sure if they also offer this in other countries.
So that would actually be my recommendation: check it out for yourself and find if it does fit you. Maybe the slower speeds can be great for creativity and your work.
Cheers 🌸
@@ChrisSpiegl thanks for the quick answer. As I am based in France, a trial would be quite costly unfortunately...
@@steflad1/videos I see, that makes it different then. I hope you can find a good solution for yourself. I have also used a 400€ electric treadmill and combined that with my standing desk. Maybe that would be an interesting test for your: ua-cam.com/video/fnUpO6UTMwI/v-deo.html
I am VFX artist, which includes editing, modeling and painting, and have been using (electric) walking desks for 8+yrs, you will get used to the movement within a day or two. You can always slow your speed for precision work, but in most cases, you probably will not need to do so.
@@raysena8679 Thank you for sharing this Ray, that's a great perspective and very helpful. Do you find yourself stopping a lot when doing detailed work / when fatigued? And what is your average speed you set your treadmill to for comfortable working conditions?
It’s a very good Idea, but I think one could have a cheaper Setup by buying a Height Adjustable Table (Flexispot as example), and a mini treadmill elsewhere in the Market. Total probably Under 600€. These German manufacturers must justify the price tag somehow. :o
I'll repost my detailed response from another comment here again so it can be found easily:
I completely understand you. I would absolutely have to think twice as well before making an investment like this. However, looking at alternatives (electric ones) you are also going to spend upward of 2k for a good one (lifespan treadmill desks). But the benefits of the walkolution are great:
- the belt is on ball-bearings and basically has no wear/tear
- you don't have any maintenance (electric treadmills and their belts need maintenance on the belt (lubrication and possibly even replace it after a few years) and the motor may also break).
- and lastly you of course need electricity (and if you use the treadmill on a daily basis for hours at a time that can also add up over the years).
Just a few thoughts to keep in mind. And if you want to get started with something less expensive (and already own a standing desk) maybe an inexpensive flat treadmill is interesting (video link below).
But keep in mind: with an inexpensive treadmill like the one shown in the other video, you're going to replace that in a few years tops because of the belt or motor breaking. So, over the long term, the Walkolution is probably going to be the better investment.
The Perfect Treadmill Desk: Manual Walkolution vs Electric Fitio (Treadmill Desk Review)
ua-cam.com/video/xBQ2Wokk9DM/v-deo.html
What kind of stool did you used in your video?
Not sure where that's from. It's just always been in my family 🙈.
Is this an independent review; are you on any way associated with Walkolution?
I have no personal connection with the company and have actually never met any one of the team in person.
I reached out to Walkolution at the start of 2021 and asked if they would be able to provide one of their Walkolution Treadmills for me to test and they did send one out without any further input on the videos I make or the things I say about the treadmill & desk.
I am however, affiliated with them in the sense that when you use my link & coupon in the description, I will earn a commission.
I am trying to be as honest as possible and also give alternatives (for example the electric treadmill I reviewed early 2021).
I hope this is transparent for you. Cheers, Chris
I would call myself Independent. I have never met anyone from the Walkolution team (aside from a phone call and email exchange) up to this point.
They did, however, provide the product for free (as I mentioned in the video) and I do earn a commission on sales made with my coupon code.
It's beautiful, looks like it's well designed and built, butttt let's talk about how this is 33% the cost of my new Toyota Camry. In other words, over 8,000 is a steep price. I'd get it if I stumble across a bag of $10,000 lol.
Yes, it’s a luxury product and not for everyone. I am not denying that. But it’s a great one at that.