6 Ways to Get a Workout at Your Desk, *With* Your Desk
Treadmills are great, and when you add in some apps, you can do all sorts of things while you exercise, like take a quick run through the Alps. But let’s face it: Between your nine-to-five, chasing after your kiddos and catching up on the latest Netflix binge, making time to get to the gym can be tough. In a perfect world, we would all spend half our workday on a workout machine, but not every job is treadmill-compatible. For those of you who aren’t ready to jump on the treadmill desk craze, we’ve got a few more alternatives for getting fit at your desk.
1. The Level ($289): We covered the Level a few months ago, and it’s definitely worth mentioning again. For those of us who don’t want to break a sweat at work, this is a great way to keep your body moving without even noticing. Best of all, it’s silent, fully portable and it looks like a hoverboard. You can pick one up at IndieGoGo, but you’ll have to move fast. Fluidstance has already sold out of their first three production runs.
2. DeskCycle ($159): This little machine fits right under your desk, so you don’t have to undock and relocate your workspace. DeskCycle runs quietly, so your co-workers won’t hate you every time you start pedaling. While this machine might not replace your SoulCycle class, it offers resistance at levels way harder than you’d expect. Go ahead and break a sweat, or just relax and casually pedal through your day.
3. FitDesk ($300): Whether you’re a biking enthusiast or just prefer sitting to standing, the FitDesk is a great option if you’re looking for a way out of your chair, but don’t want to take up too much room. It’s lightweight, foldable and compact enough to set up in your office, or even your cubicle. With the included fitness bands, you can even get a full-body workout and stretch while you’re catching up on reading. Just don’t let your boss see you counting reps when you’re supposed to be updating your client list.
4. Marcy Mini Stepper and Bands ($63): It may not look like much, but this small gadget can easily be pulled out from under your desk for a quick workout. The LCD display tracks your strides per minute, length of workout and calories burned, so you can stay focused on your work. The bands are also a great way to loosen up your arms and shoulders after too many hours spent staring at your computer screen.
5. SurfShelf ($40): If you’re looking to amp up your home office, check out the SurfShelf. For the price, it’s more than worth it. It attaches easily to any treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike. You can adjust the angle to your comfort, plus you can strap your laptop down, so it won’t fall off while you go for that maximum burn!
6. The Elliptical Machine Office Desk ($8,000): If budget isn’t an issue, this is the machine for you. It brings you all the benefits of a smooth elliptical workout, from the comfort of a desk chair. The best part is that it’s designed to be pedaled slowly, so you won’t break your concentration or a sweat. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s sure to improve your health, attitude and productivity… at least, that’s what we would recommend telling your boss.
What’s your favorite way to exercise at work? Let us know in our comments.
