Read all posts matching 'walkstation' in Crave
TrekDesk, the $479 height-adjustable workstation that attaches to a treadmill, joins a growing population of walk-while-you-work desks.
(Credit: TrekDesk)The TrekDesk press release is packed with all sorts of alarming statistics about adult obesity, as well as alluring statistics about the benefits of walking. The combination is designed to make you want one, and want one now, in spite of the product's $479-sans-treadmill price tag.
Why go for a lovely walk outside, or exercise on an ordinary treadmill inside, when you can walk at your desk--without even sweating? It is "Easy to Do" and "Requires No Extra Effort." (The All Caps mean they Really Mean It.)
TrekDesk is by no means the first attempt to turn sedentary workstations into something less sedentary, and should not be singled out as such. For two years now, the JW Treadmill Desk has boasted a built-in rack for multiple monitors, just in case you don't have enough things going on.
And the aptly named Walkstation's $6,500 price tag seems intended to guilt its owners into years of use to make up for money that could have been spent on such healthy items as gym memberships and fresh produce.
With our increasingly mobile workstations, humans are already eating, driving, and admit it, even using the toilet while working. Now that we can walk while we work, what does a workaholic multitasker have left? Sex?
(Credit:
TrekDesk)
When Crave first started seeing workstation fitness machines, we thought they were just a passing novelty. But now we're seriously beginning to wonder--and worry--whether they're actually catching on.
The desk treadmill seems to be the most popular form of office exercise, as evidenced by the "Walkstation" and the "TreadDesk," respectively estimated at $6,500 and up to $4,000. But now they have yet another competitor that may end up being substantially cheaper.
The "TrekDesk" is an alternative to the other all-in-one setups, a universal workstation that instead attaches to a standard existing treadmill with adjustable height, center console, manuscript stand, and cupholder. (That green exercise ball is part of the ergonomic TrekDesk Chair, which is sold separately.)
Although the price isn't final yet, the desk is expected to cost less than $549. There's just one catch: The treadmill isn't included. Still, if you already have one that's been gathering cobwebs, this might be a way to get some use out of it for a change.
(Thanks, Steve)
(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)
(Credit:
Gamercize)
Gamercize has been peddling and pedaling exercise machines for some time now, mostly making fitness gear designed to work with game consoles as well as the occasional digital cycle for kids. But this week it's releasing a product aimed squarely at the cubicle set.
The U.K. company has come up with a "GZ PC-Sport and Power Stepper" combination that can fit under the desk so worker bees can continue their duties uninterrupted while burning off calories without leaving their seats. And here's the kicker: It can be hooked up to the computer by USB so that the keyboard or mouse will work only when the Stepper is in use.
If all this sounds like the trappings of some futuristic labor camp, remember that it could be worse. Your boss could hook you up to a "Walkstation" treadmill instead and make you do 20 laps for each Excel spreadsheet. In fact, we hope ours isn't reading this now.
(Credit:
Steelcase)
Following unusual workstations has become something of a hobby for Crave (we don't get out much), but usually they involve conditions that are designed for maximum comfort. So one can appreciate our alarm upon viewing the "Walkstation" for its obvious threat to our stated pursuit of laziness, even while working.
This tortuous apparatus is essentially a standing-height desk attached to a treadmill, combining work with exercise for the ultimate in multi-tasking. Made by office furniture company Steelcase, the Walkstation is scheduled to make its formal debut next month for a reported price of $6,500. (That would pay for a lot of time at the gym, not to mention doughnuts.)
While clearly not our cup of tea, we know more than a few people who would love to have one. The alpha executives, in particular, could use them to prove their superiority over lesser simians.
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