Exercising at your Desk...the Next Level in Technology

While it's a nice idea that you can exercise at your desk, the best exercise for you is free: just walk.

The magic number of steps per day proposed by fitness experts, and even quoted in a number of corporate-sponsored plans that I've seen, is 10,000 steps per day. A little pedometer, or step counter, can log how many you do while walking across the parking lot, up and down stairs, down the hall to the ladies room, etc.

I used to stand at my desk while working on my computer. Of course, that means the computer, now laptop, has to be placed at a higher level than the desk. But, standing is better than sitting for hours at a time, and I could actually think better. Sitting causes your hamstrings to tighten, leading to other muscle and flexibility issues that will make your body feel older than its time.

I have been at a treadmill desk of my own now for 2 months. First, it works. I had back issues that have disappeared. I sleep like a baby at night and during the day I feel like I am on drugs....the good kind, endorphins. I walk 6 - 8 miles a day in my home office and sweating is not an issue unless I want to ramp it up a little while I am reading on the internet. I have lost 18 pounds already so I am a convert. The cost of the WalkStation is a concern for me but there is another product that offers more flexibility to use you own treadmill during the day as a desk and for exercise after work. It is called the TrekDesk. Pricing isnt set yet but it states on the TrekDesk website that it is going to be very affordable. They also are offering a pretty snazzy exercise ball chair that swings onto the treadmill (or off) for those moments when you have to sit. The website is www.trekdesk.com and has a lot of information on studies which focus on the long term benefits of walking. Hope this helps.

Really like the idea of working in a little exercise while I'm at my desk. I think you're right in that a treadmill and computer screen might make for a somewhat cumbersome combination but maybe a recumbent bike would work. Still think the price tag might keep some folks away. In the meantime, movement is important and found a pretty fun interactive feature that offers exercises you can do at your desk that don't require equipment. Check it out.

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/23722/8254.html