Yesterday I talked about one part of "The American Dream" for my grandparents and others of their generation.
Another part of that "dream", for some, was a sedentary job. It's easy to see the appeal of it when you've done back-breaking work all of your life.
The problem with sitting is that it's like a drug: It's a hard habit to break--especially if your work requires it. And, in the end, too much of it isn't healthy for anyone.
So what do you do if you can't just leave your desk and go out for a bike ride--or to the gym?
You pedal at your desk:
Flexispot, a company that specializes in ergonomic office furniture, debuted this stationery bicycle desk at the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas the week before last.
Unlike most office chairs, it doesn't have a back. So, in that sense, it helps to replicate a real cycling experience: April Glaser, who tried it, says that she leaned forward "without caving into my shoulders". Further enhancing the experience are small displays showing speed, distance and time, which you can monitor while you answer your e-mails. It even has a resistance dial--and a wrist pad and cup holder.
At $500, it doesn't cost much more than most chair and desk combinations. Perhaps some companies will realize that this bike-desk could actually save them money, with reduced insurance costs and absenteeism. Plus, I think it could be good for morale.
Plus, that pedal power could generate electricity for the office. Talk about productivity!
And you don't need to wear a helmet.
Another part of that "dream", for some, was a sedentary job. It's easy to see the appeal of it when you've done back-breaking work all of your life.
The problem with sitting is that it's like a drug: It's a hard habit to break--especially if your work requires it. And, in the end, too much of it isn't healthy for anyone.
So what do you do if you can't just leave your desk and go out for a bike ride--or to the gym?
You pedal at your desk:
Flexispot, a company that specializes in ergonomic office furniture, debuted this stationery bicycle desk at the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas the week before last.
Unlike most office chairs, it doesn't have a back. So, in that sense, it helps to replicate a real cycling experience: April Glaser, who tried it, says that she leaned forward "without caving into my shoulders". Further enhancing the experience are small displays showing speed, distance and time, which you can monitor while you answer your e-mails. It even has a resistance dial--and a wrist pad and cup holder.
At $500, it doesn't cost much more than most chair and desk combinations. Perhaps some companies will realize that this bike-desk could actually save them money, with reduced insurance costs and absenteeism. Plus, I think it could be good for morale.
Plus, that pedal power could generate electricity for the office. Talk about productivity!
And you don't need to wear a helmet.
