On the job cardio training

29-Oct-07, 04:30 PM

The Dilberts sitting in corporate cubicles are in luck! Now they will be able to do their work and get their cardio in at the same time - a new level of multi-tasking.

Product combines workstation, treadmill - Yahoo! News

**LiftGirl** · 30-Oct-07, 12:16 PM

Why not just give them a half hour break each day to use the treadmill?

Merrida · 30-Oct-07, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiftGirl

Why not just give them a half hour break each day to use the treadmill?

Because then the employees wouldn't simultaneously be "producing." This way through multitasking, as pierini said, they can get a wee bit of exercise in while doing their work. I suppose the company sees this as dual efficiency.

It must feel good though,....I don't have a desk job so I can't imagine, but it's simply got to feel good to get off your butt and move about during work.

I think your idea is better and more suited to their fitness (so they can focus 1/2 hour to kick it in gear),....but hey, at least there'll be some people out there not spending 8-10 hours sitting in a cubicle and that's an improvement.

Interesting application.

30-Oct-07, 02:02 PM

I have a client who is a Steelcase distributor, the company manufacturing this product, so I will have an opportunity to give it a test drive really soon.

Merrida · 30-Oct-07, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierini

I have a client who is a Steelcase distributor, the company manufacturing this product, so I will have an opportunity to give it a test drive really soon.

You'll have to let us know what you think of it first hand. I'm curious about how people will respond to walking while being on a computer, if they'll be more effective or more distracted....what's your initial impression (and I know you haven't tried it yet, but do you have any thoughts on the efficacy of this product in the work place?)

30-Oct-07, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrida

I know you haven't tried it yet, but do you have any thoughts on the efficacy of this product in the work place?)

I'll give my formal report after the test drive, but my initial thought without even being in the saddle is that this is silly. I think it is nothing more than a teaser product. Steelcase, however, does make high-end products so I'm sure this will cost more than a pretty penny.

Merrida · 30-Oct-07, 02:22 PM

So "unofficially, w/o being tested yet," your impression is it may be more of a marketing gimmick?

May well be, but still looking forward to your "official report" after giving it a go.

In any case, I think anything that gets people upright and moving can't be all that bad. I'd rather be strolling at 3.5mph, than sitting at a desk. I'd think it'd at least keep you more alert (hard to doze off or take that after-lunch nap while on a moving treadmill).....

F_Mac · 30-Oct-07, 02:23 PM

Seems kind of dumb IMO. Ever try walking and typing and/or writing?

If you want to see what it's like, bob your head up and down and try to type.......

I guess we'll wait and see if it will be the next "iPod"......lol

Merrida · 30-Oct-07, 09:59 PM

That might be why the speed only goes to 3.5. I've seen kids on their iPods and Blackberries while doing cardio (God only knows how), but that's why I asked pierini what he thought of it, conceptually,...the idea of a computer work station while you're upright walking on a treadmill.....the compatibility.

I know he'll give his formal report later, but I'm also curious to PRE-suppositions.

If someone can manage it great. Like I said, I'm just happy to see a chunk of time where cubicle workers are being released and permitted physical activity. I think it should be personal, private workout time to work out as they please and hopefully they get that too,.....but as an adjunct, who knows, it may just refreshing if it can be accomplished,....anything to not sit, sit, sit all day long.

**LiftGirl** · 31-Oct-07, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrida

I've seen kids on their iPods and Blackberries while doing cardio (God only knows how),

I use my iPod when I do cardio. It's loaded up with music, which I listen to while lifting or on long car trips, and audiobooks for cardio. (Yeah, I know that's nerdy)

31-Oct-07, 12:30 PM

I spoke to my client who is a Steelcase distributor and his company will be getting one of these units to showcase and demo to their clients. Hopefully it will arrive in time for me to demo it and include my write-up in the Discuss Fitness Winter 2007 Newsletter.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Merrida · 31-Oct-07, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiftGirl

I use my iPod when I do cardio. It's loaded up with music, which I listen to while lifting or on long car trips, and audiobooks for cardio. (Yeah, I know that's nerdy)

I'm not talking about music, I'm talking about watching people text message while working out,....it's like their ears are glued to cell phones or their fingers are glued to little keypads, and they're inseparable. Think apple's version of Blackberry or something,....

ajarvis · 31-Oct-07, 03:24 PM

Well it's an interesting concept, but I'm not 100% sold. I am always standing up, walking around etc. but there are times when I just need and want to sit down and focus on what I'm doing. So is there an option to sit?

The one nice thing about my new cubicle is I can stand and work, or sit and work I have an option of doing either comfortably.

**LiftGirl** · 01-Nov-07, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrida

I'm not talking about music, I'm talking about watching people text message while working out,....it's like their ears are glued to cell phones or their fingers are glued to little keypads, and they're inseparable. Think apple's version of Blackberry or something,....

Oh! You meant an iPhone! All I can do during cardio is listen to my books or maybe music (but I'd rather have a book). If almost fell off a treadmill once just glancing at the TV quickly. It actually kind of annoys me when people talk on their phones when they're doing cardio. I want some peace to listen to my book.

Merrida · 01-Nov-07, 02:07 PM

i-whatever, it's another device that has no place on the fitness floor. (You can tell up very up to date on apple's latest commercials, eh?)

Anyway, I have doctors who must carry phones, but they're not gabbing on them. I see women on the adductor/abductor machines reading magazines just spending 3-4 minutes doing 40 pounds, incorrectly, but double tasking thinking they're getting "something" out of this. It's very frustrating to see, and no one can convince me they're giving their workout their all.

I like listening to music as well but try to discourage it because I see people begin lifting to the music tempo instead of the tempo I am wanting them to lift at.