In a previous post I mentioned that it would be ideal if it were possible to get an aerobic workout while using the computer. Little did I know that there is a movement underway that allows us to do just that. It’s called “walking while working” and basically entails rigging a treadmill with a fully functional computer work station.
I have often tried to read while jogging on the treadmill or using the elliptical, but my head bobs around so much it makes me sea sick. When you only allow 30-45 for exercise, you have to get your body really moving, making reading or typing pretty much impossible. The “walking while working” concept is that you are not exercising, you are working. Moving the body constantly at a slow pace for a long time however, can make a big difference.
James Levine, M.D. and his colleagues in the NEAT (Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis) lab at Mayo Clinic have pioneered an “Office of the Future” — a fully functioning office that bears a marked resemblance to a gym. Complete with treadmills that serve as both desks and computer platforms and a two-lane walking track that serves as a meeting room, Dr. Levine and his entire staff have a unique, active work environment.
Desks and computer platforms are cleverly mounted on treadmills to create a slow moving workstation. Levine disliked visiting the gym after a long workday. He puts the treadmill on a very slow speed (as slow as 1 mph), slow enough to avoid sweating, but fast enough to burn an extra 100 calories per hour, and up to 1,000 extra per day on his average 10-hour workday.
The concept of moving while you work has all but disappeared from the modern workplace. Levine’s program hopes to revolutionize that by changing the way America conducts its business, one step at a time.
The curious at first find it dubious, but not for long, after they’re told research shows they could lose between 30 and 50 pounds a year. But can companies afford all this equipment?
“There’s no cubicles here at all,” says Levine as he gives NBC News a tour of the office. “Everybody still has their own space, and yet units cost half the price of what a cubicle costs.”
Info from walking while working Links:
Work and Walk
Too Busy to Work Out? Work Out at Work (msnbc article)
Walking While Working
[tags]walking while working, work and walk, future office, ergonomics[/tags]
Now _that’s_ what I’m talking about!
I suffer from RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) and wonder if something like this would help reduce my symptoms. I usually take a walk or climb stairs for several minutes at a time in the morning and afternoon, which gives me temporary relief. But if I could just be on my feet all day and still get work done… WOW, that would change my life!
I followed the link to “Work and Walk” but it appears that their website is down. Do you have any other links that you could post?
My one concern to be honest though, is “what would my coworkers think of me”? I’d be the only one with this contraption, and it might be embarrassing.
Then again, it might inspire others to get one and start losing weight!
rick palmer,
did you get a desk-treadmill?
your need was really interesting. best of luck!
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title ng While Working at The Ergonomenon. Thanks for informative article
Here’s one more link for you: http://www.treadmill-desk.com/
It’s a blog devoted entirely to Treadmill Desks.
Don’t miss the slide shows and movies.
Thanks,
Jay Buster
I love the idea.
Check this one out.
http://www.thewalknwork.com
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article ng While Working at The Ergonomenon, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
Yep - I would agree with that.. Thanks for the line.