My New Office
A lot like Homer Simpson, I've got a butt-shaped indentation in my couch that I've spent endless hours perfecting. I've always been one to write with my feet up on the ottoman and my computer propped up on my lap, but lately my back (and my waistline) haven't been too happy with this arrangement.
Over the past year I've been jealously watching as other writers made the leap to the treadmill desk. On twitter I listened as authors like John Green talked about the thousands of steps they took each day while simultaneously cranking out thousands of words.
Of course as my birthday inched closer I dropped hint after hint (well, maybe they weren't hints so much as outright pleading) for a treadmill desk. But with the big price tag that comes with one, I assumed it was out of the question.
On my birthday-- after a lovely lunch date-- my husband told me he just had to run a quick errand for work on our way home. I must be pretty easy to deceive because I didn't even question the fact that my mom wanted to come along.
You can imagine my surprise when we pulled into the LifeSpan parking lot and my mom and husband told me what they were giving me for my birthday. It was even better than a PONY.
I'd done a lot of research about what sort of desk I wanted and a LifeSpan was at the very top of my list, but I hadn't realized that the company was actually based out of Salt Lake. Not only did I not have to wait to have my treadmill desk delivered, but we also saved $200 by picking it up ourselves.
I've only had my desk for a few days, but I'm a total convert. It's amazing how easy is to walk and type at the same time. After a couple minutes I forget that my legs are even moving. Today I walked over three miles while I was editing. THREE MILES.
I have to warn you now, if you run into me, I might start proselytizing about how great treadmill desks are. Hopefully I can convert you all!
You've converted me! Now I just have to get the hubby to agree. My birthday is coming up soon... :)
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I love it! And I'll be so much healthier now. I spent WAY too many hours sitting, which is terrible for your health.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a bigger study, I would get one. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on those. It's really not hard to type while walking? Ug! Now, I'm itching to get one.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to find one to try out. You'll be surprised how natural it feels.
DeleteI love the idea of this! I just wonder if I could do it - I can barely read a book or a magazine when I do the regular treadmill, and I tend to drift to one side or the other as I walk. Even if I didn't use it for novel work - all of my novel notes and post its and scrap papers would fall of that desk! - I could use it for blogging and social networking and maybe writing stories. Hmmm. :)
ReplyDeleteYou'd probably surprise yourself. It's very different than walking on a regular treadmill because the speed is much lower. It has a specially built motor to maintain low speeds for long periods of time.
DeleteHmmm. I am intrigued. Better than a pony, you say.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so maybe I still REALLY want a pony, but it's still pretty great:)
DeleteWhat a great gift! I would so love one of these, but it would need a dog-sized one alongside otherwise my beloved golden retriever would collapse in grief. Our walking time together is precious.
ReplyDeleteI still take my dog on walks twice a day. This just takes place of my writing time. That's what I love about it so much!
DeleteI AM SO FULL OF THE JEALOUS! I've been coveting one for a while, but my "office" is an oh-so romantic writer's garret with a whopping 5'6" head clearance. (Which works great for my 5'3" self, but not so much for a treadmill). Phooey. But ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteHello, I stubbled here as I was surfing the web and saw your interest in ways to exercise while you are also on the computer. We created the FitDesk and have great reviews on Amazon.com FitDesk is a indoor bike and a desk. I think you would like to see our take on this new trend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome. How is it with using the mouse? And are there things that are tricky to do while walking? How is it three days in? Are you walking any faster? What is the most miles you've walked so far in a day? Tell me tell me tell me!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm as annoying in person!
So I actually don't have a computer with a mouse, but I'm sure it would be super easy. The desk is flat and large (like any other desk) and you walk at such a slow rate that your arms stay very steady. I've been averaging a couple of miles a day so far, but it would be cool to work up to five or so. I'm LOVING it!
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ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I work from home two days a week and this would be so nice. Definitely something I'll be keeping in mind for a future purpose!
ReplyDelete*purchase not purpose lol.
Deletehaha that is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteReally? You can walk and type at the same time? Can a regular treadmill be converted to a treadmill desk? Hmm. You've got me thinking.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've seen a LOT of these...
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to do this, but I did move my desktop computer on to a countertop, so I stand and type there... not really the same, but at least a step in the right direction ;-)
That's definitely better than sitting!
DeleteThat's great. I wish I could get this.
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