Welcome to the Walkolution
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on joining the Walkolution family!
When I was a young medical student, I saw firsthand the damage that sitting all day can do. I didn’t believe in standing desks either—they just traded one problem for another. That’s why, in 2005, I built the first Walkolution treadmill desk by hand.
Since then, many have tried to follow our lead, but the gold standard remains unchanged. You have chosen the original—often imitated, never matched.
To help you get started, we want to share some helpful tips collected over decades, so you can get the most out of your Walkolution from day one. This is hard-earned wisdom—please take a moment to read through it, even if you normally skip the manual.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, we’re always here to listen.
Warm regards,
Eric Söhngen, M.D., Ph.D.
Founder & CEO, Walkolution GmbH, Germany
The Essentials - Must Read
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50 - 60 Steps per Minute
Most new users tend to walk too quickly at first, but the ideal pace is about 50 to 60 steps per minute. This speed allows you to work with maximum focus while gaining all the health benefits. We strongly recommend starting at this pace—there is solid scientific evidence that it is optimal for walking at your desk. -
Foot Placement and Gait
Begin by landing on your heel. Roll your foot completely from heel to toe. For the best experience, make sure your treadmill is positioned at the right distance from your desk so you can walk comfortably. Step onto the front third of the treadmill, landing on your heel and smoothly rolling your foot forward, shifting your weight onto the leading leg. It may feel unusual at first, but after a few minutes it will feel completely natural. -
Desk Height Adjustment
It’s essential that your desk is set at the correct height—many standing desks simply don’t go high enough, which can really diminish the experience. Your elbows should rest above a 90-degree angle while standing on the treadmill, allowing you to “hook” your elbows comfortably on the desk. If needed, some of our customers have even built their own simple desk risers to achieve the perfect setup. -
Upright Walking
Many users tend to lean forward and push themselves away from the desk, but this won’t work well. It’s important to walk upright and maintain core tension, which is only possible if your desk is at the correct height. Good posture is key to a comfortable and effective walking experience.
General Ergonomic Recommendations
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External Monitor at Eye Level
We recommend using an external monitor positioned at eye level to ensure optimal ergonomics while walking. A properly placed monitor not only promotes better posture but also reduces neck and eye strain. Using an external monitor offers many advantages and can make your Walkolution experience even more comfortable and productive. -
Stop typing, start AI dictation!
While you can easily type and use a mouse while walking, new advances in artificial intelligence now offer a better option. With AI transcription tools like Whisper from OpenAI, you can dictate nearly everything—quickly, accurately, and hands-free. Combining walking with seamless dictation unlocks a new level of productivity and flow at work.
Trouble Shooting
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Break-in period (only Walkolution 1)
It’s completely normal for your treadmill to feel a bit more resistant during the first few hours of use. With continuous walking, the resistance will gradually decrease as the machine reaches its optimal performance level. -
Cold temperature (only Walkolution 1)
If the treadmill has been transported, especially during winter months, it may have been exposed to cold temperatures, which can temporarily increase resistance. To ensure optimal performance, allow the treadmill to fully acclimate to room temperature before using it.
Adjustment Options
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Changing the Incline and Adjusting the Restistance
With Walkolution II, you can adjust the incline of your treadmill by changing the screw height of the built-in feet; with Walkolution I, use the supplied Performance Kit steel feet. Raising the front increases the incline, which reduces resistance and allows for a faster walking speed—this can be especially helpful for lighter users. We recommend making adjustments only after several hours of use, as your impression of the resistance may change over time. Before making permanent changes, you can simulate the effect by placing a thin board under the feet. Even a small adjustment in incline can significantly change the perceived resistance, so it’s worth experimenting until you find your ideal setup.