Strange

"Work walking" to combat ADD, shed pounds

by Terri Potratz | September 17, 2008 at 12:26 pm

518 views | 0 Recommendations | 3 comments

Feeling antsy at work? A new office treadmill configured for your desk could be your solution. Developed in part by Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic, Walkstations could help you burn between 100-130 calories an hour. These all-in-one ergonomic treadmill desks even boast a quiet motor designed for slow walking speeds so you won't disrupt your colleagues.

Fans of "work walking" assure that far from being a distraction, the technology actually helps focus attention and improve productivity.

Larger corporations, such as Salo, seem to favour implementing the treadmills in open areas and in conference rooms. At Humana, the treadmill is used for about 60% of the day as most employees haven't yet made it a part of their daily routine. But others are jumping right on:

Brad Rhoads, a computer programmer and missionary in Princeton, Ill., faces a computer monitor on a file cabinet and gets in about five miles a day on a treadmill while working in his home office.
“After a while, your legs do get kind of tired,” said Mr. Rhoads, 40, who started exercising in March, when doctors advised him to lose weight after open-heart surgery.

Andrew Wood, the director of ergonomics and corporate services for an affiliate company of the Mayo Clinic, cautions against those with poor coordination using the treadmills. “If you can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, this may not be the workstation for you,” Wood said.

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Jordan Yerman

at 12:32 on September 17th, 2008

Or you could pad the edge of the desk and place your laptop on a small stand... then assume the plank position with elbows on the bad, and type (slowly and erratically) with your fingertips.

Sure, your productivity would plummet, but after a month you stomach would be ridiculously ripped.

DulceKnits

at 18:00 on September 19th, 2008

I joined the Extreme Ice Gym located in Indian Trail, North Carolina the summer of 2008. My goal is to go three times a week and so far it is working out. My gym is well equipped and also provides classes. Currently they offer Zumba, Body Sculpt, Chair Crazy and Yoga classes. My favorite classes are Zumba and Body Sculpt. My husband Cliff also joined but he does not participate in any class. Sometimes I join him using the treadmill or the elliptical and some of the machines. The personal trainer who works here is very helpful and makes suggestions on how to use the equipment. Overall my health and physical condition have improved and I sleep much better.

DulceKnits has contributed a photo to this story.