Get in Shape While You Work - 5 Exer-Desks
By Mike Chino (from Inhabitat) on October 26, 2010
Desk-bound cubicle jockies know that being tethered to a chair from nine
to five can be draining - even though you're basically sitting still.
Even more alarming, the American Cancer Society recently published a study
showing that sedentary lifestyles can lead to the increased risk of
obesity, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. Fortunately, in the past few
years there's been a surge of exer-desk solutions
that enable you to shake off that stationary state. Exercising while at
work can help stave away boredom, stimulate productivity, and it's good
for your health as well - without further ado, we present to you our
five favorite exer-desks that can help you get in shape while you work!
Sit to Walkstation Desk Treadmill
The Sit to Walkstation is the Cadillac of exer-desks, featuring an expansive 78" x 29" workspace that comes complete with a whisper-quiet treadmill underneath. A handy control surface allows you to automatically adjust the desk's height and control the treadmill speed, and a magnetic key prevents any embarrassing encounters with the floor should you stumble or need to stop for a second.
$4,599 at Steelcase Store
Instride Desk Cycle
If you're looking for a more streamlined way to work out at work, the Instride XL cycle may be just the ticket. This compact exercise bike easily slides underneath a desk, and a set of sturdy rubber feet prevents the cycle from slipping. Best of all, a high-tech display keeps track of your workout, so you can chart your times and go for the gold during your next Excel session.
$42 from Exercise Bikes Direct
GeekDesk
If exercising at work is a little too agro for you (sweat stains in the office are generally frowned upon), then you might want to check out a straightforward elevated workspace like the GeekDesk - simply standing up during work serves to strengthen your core muscles and can alleviate back problems that result being cooped up in a chair for 8 hours a day. The GeekDesk features a pared-down industrial design that can be easily adjusted with the flip of a switch. Since it can accommodate sitting or standing positions equally well, it's a great compromise if you're building up your standing stamina or need to switch positions frequently throughout the day.
$799 from GeekDesk
Crescendo C2 Maximus Standing Desk by Stilvoll
We love multifunctional designs for the space-saving versatility that they offer, and when they're as beautifully executed as Stilvoll's Crescendo C2 Maximus standing desk, it's hard not to fall head-over-heels. This exquisitely-crafted transforming desk conceals a bounty of hidden surprises like extendable legs, a pop-up angled writing desk, a pull-out keyboard tray, and modular shelving options.
Various prices depending on options from Stilvoll
Exercise Ball Chair
If you're looking for a fun and simple way to switch up your sedentary seating situation, try trading your chair for a bouncing exercise ball! Although it may attract curious glances from coworkers (and invite impromptu games of office kickball), sitting on an exercise ball burns more calories per hour than sitting in a chair, improves balance, and could even improve your posture.
$13 - $40 from Amazon
What are you doing your work day to stay fit?
See more from Inhabitat:5 Apps To Stop a Temper Tantrum in its Tracks
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Inhabitat is an online magazine devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and design towards a smarter and more sustainable future. Written by a young tech-savvy team designers and design journalists, Inhabitat delivers fresh content daily, showcasing emerging work from the cutting-edge of the global design community. Mike Chino is a writer, researcher, and musician based in San Francisco. He left sunny UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in French and Modern literature and delved into publishing through a stint at ReadyMade Magazine. Inspired by the impact that forward thinking can have on the present, he has cultivated a voracious appetite for developments in sustainable architecture, design, and technology. Mike likes to bike, blog, and build things, and in his spare time he also cooks, produces music, and rocks out.
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