It's time to rise up against exercise desks

(Credit: TreadDesk)

There's some kind of conspiracy in the air. A managerial one. First there's a concept to make us more productive by strapping a laptop to the waist, and now we find that there's yet another attempt to tether workers to their desks with a new built-in treadmill.

Judging by the photos, it looks as if the "TreadDesk" could even elevate and fire up while you're still typing away, not missing a beat on that Excel spreadsheet. This invention of the devil already has some competition, however: Just a few months ago the "Walkstation" made its debut, and there's also the low-end "GZ PC-Sport and Power Stepper" for those who prefer more of a seated StairMaster-type workout.

The TreadDesk seems to be shooting for something of a mid-range market, with prices reportedly between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on the model and features. The Walkstation, by contrast, has been estimated around $6,500. Either way, all of this makes us alarmed and terribly depressed.

(Thanks to Eric for the tip)

[energyguy2]

The WalkStation is truly a revolutionary product because it is the gets people to do what nature intended. Walk. Anyone will lose weight if their diet stays constant, not just obese folks. However, 66% of americans are overweight according to the CDC and the main culprit is inactivity and ....our chairs. At $6500 it is not going to solve the problem but there are alternatives. I made my own and attached it to a treadmill. In 2 months I have lost 18 pounds and have a lot more to go but I love how energized I feel every day and the fact that when I leave my work I have worked out already....without sweating. I do want a more professional model and I found one called TrekDesk. Their site at www.trekdesk.com has some interesting articles about the health benefits of walking. It surprised me and motivated me. I will always work this way now.