Could You Work in a Walkstation?
Fri Oct 19, 2007 5:16PM EDT
See Comments (447)
Okay, I know most days I am not moving enough and am sitting too much, typing and surfing the web on my computer. So this "walkstation" designed by Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic and Steelcase, the office furniture maker, could be the future if we don't want to be bunch of obese desk dwellers hunched over our keyboards day in, day out.
It's not so far-fetched when you think of all the treadmills with TVs that get snatched up first at the gym. But I have always had a tough time reading while walking or, gasp, running, on a treadmill. I can't envision getting actual work done. Writing emails or blog posts seems a stretch but surfing the web and reading possible.
But Levine designed it for walking slowly because, he says, even just walking 1 mph can increase energy and burn calories. The idea is any kind of movement is better than no movement.
At $6,500 each, I can't see this in many bloggers' budgets or homes, but if companies were to build them into office gyms, they might get some play.
Good idea or not realistic? Chime in. If you're in New York on Oct. 25, there will be an all-day demo of the Walkstation at 4 Columbus Circle.
LINKS: I'm so fat I need a treadmill at my desk [Time.com] Steelcase's Walkstation marries desk and treadmill [Engadget]Top 5 Posts
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67 Posted by dpcaxx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:47PM EDT Report Abuse
I think we should go the other way with this idea and make an eat station, one with a soda fountain, microwave, and refrigerator. If we Americans want to be fat, then it our god given right to do so. I'm sure thats in the constitution somewhere, maybe not spelled out so much as in-between the lines.
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68 Posted by brownsugarcecilia on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:14PM EDT Report Abuse
If I had something like this at work I would not be trying to juggle work and the gym. I might see the inside of my gym once or twice a month. I try walking but if it is to dark in the morning or at night I will not go. So if there WERE any way that I could get this at work I am all for it.
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69 Posted by tjlupton on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:12PM EDT Report Abuse
Walking on a treadmill seems a bit of a stretch... I think it would rather difficult to keep ones hands properly positioned over the keyboard while walking and typing at the same time. Stationary bike would definitely work better. Sadly, I don't see too many companies buying them for their employees - although it would definitely be great if they did.
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70 Posted by preethydv on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:18PM EDT Report Abuse
Adapting this new technology will be hard in the minds of people who have been got used to their workplace. The technology definitely needs some improvement. Ex. You can really type when you work out :) However, companies will definitely will start thinking about bring the walk-station to help the workers stay in good health. It will definitely start from the "Californish tech companies"It will definitely an incentive for companies as they may be able to cut down the heath care costs.
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71 Posted by lhlfr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:50PM EDT Report Abuse
Most office jobs that require you to sit for eight hours/day, which is not healthy and people are starting to catch on. I don't think that I'm coordinated enough to run on the treadmill and work on the computer at the same time.
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72 Posted by d_trapper on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse
Whether you have $6500 or make you own from garage sale items, this is a great idea for computer users. A professor and author at the University of Chicago, Havey Cox....prolific write of many, many books, NEVER sat down while he was writing. He always stood at a high desk with word processor. Would his writing have been different if he had been walking? Don't know, but his belly sure would have been. Come to think of it maybe not....he was slim and trim just from the hours of standing!
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73 Posted by bowa1970 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:11PM EDT Report Abuse
When I first heard about these a couple years ago, I thought it would be a great idea just to be out of a chair for 8 hours. But after much consideration I don't know if they are worth the effort or the money. Yes, some activity is better than none, but the previous posters' idea of an under the desk pedal pusher seems much more appropriate. On the other hand, the real benefits of activity come when the arms are involved; and if your hands are busy typing they can't be making your heart rate increase!!
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74 Posted by dennis08865 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:41PM EDT Report Abuse
This would be a great idea for gaming. I am a software developer and couldn't imagine being able to concentrate even walking ~ .5-2MPH. The problem would be the typing. :) I might give it a try anyway to see what happens! :)
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75 Posted by rainbowsofcats on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:27PM EDT Report Abuse
nice, but hello id be out of breath!
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76 Posted by andrewsciarretta on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:54PM EDT Report Abuse
Walking and working at the same time? IMPOSSIBLE, who can even think one thought while walking? NOBODY ! Using a computer is HARD and could never be done while walking !!! Not being strapped into a chair just to do simple things on the computer?! That sounds silly ! Not getting back problems and getting fat while sitting all day? Sounds like a NEW idea, I'm not into THOSE especially since I never tried it. I'd prefer to be bent over even more in a less comfortable chair and have less chance for movement because new things are dumb and we should be biased against them for some reason.
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77 Posted by lorain1147 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:56PM EDT Report Abuse
You have got to be kidding me? Who is going to purchase these for there employee's? and what Employee is going to want to WALK all day at work, while answering phones, typing, we MULTI TASK enough as it is....This would irriatate me something terrible....there are many days where to don't even want to be at work, and then to have to walk the whole time your there???
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78 Posted by bruce_mathews on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:14PM EDT Report Abuse
just what I need, another piece of expensive exercise equipment that I can use as a coat rack.
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79 Posted by stcyr_d on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse
I think its a good idea. I would love one for my home. I think once you would get started doing it at work it would be just like second nature.
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80 Posted by consignjp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse
I would much rather have an exercycle attached than have to stand up as my knees can't take walking that long.
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81 Posted by itsall4taylor on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse
Just having taller desks that we stand at would be helpful... No more chairs!! It would also help our posture and productivity. When we sit all day, it tends to make some of us a little lazy...
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82 Posted by christolibra on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:24PM EDT Report Abuse
This could drive your workers comp insurance premiums up a bit too!
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83 Posted by imagesbyjoy on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:23PM EDT Report Abuse
I don't think this is going to work. I think companies should let employees work out breaks and have the equipment on site.
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84 Posted by collierwine on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:28PM EDT Report Abuse
Just go to the gym after work.. Dont be lazy
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85 Posted by as54294 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:58PM EDT Report Abuse
Why does everthing need to be about multitasking? Just go to the gym when you get off work. Problem solved.
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66 Posted by msphillips07 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse
I think you should have your choice between a bike and a treadmill. I do not believe that many companies will pay for something like this unless it is required for better health. But then again we live in a technology age....