Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Office Desk - An Occupational Hazard
 'I do NOT want to sit down!' - This is the mantra I repeat to myself as soon as I get into work every day. I am sick and tired of sitting at my desk! When I was in school, I never really envisioned myself working hard for my degree so that I could spend countless hours behind a desk working on my office-chair-butt-mold. I had dreams of exotic places and new faces and interesting work spaces. Yet, the reality remains...I sit at a desk all day. From nine to five I bathe in the unnatural glow of a computer screen...slumped in my office chair...wishing I had a window.Far less romantic than my youthful dreams - but I can't really complain because at least I have a job. So...since complaining is out of the question and apathy really isn't my style, I've begun my quest for the perfect at-work solution. There are about 992 million Americans out there who, like me, work in jobs that are considered 'sedentary' - this has led to a 60% increase in weight gain over the last couple decades (According to the National Bureau of Economic Research in MA). Which, in turn, can lead to all sorts of problems - joint pain, fatigue, and even 'desk rage'. Many workplaces out there realize that healthy and happy employees generates growth, stability, and fresh ideas. So, they've tried making healthier cafeteria food, giving away free gym memberships, or even paying employees to lose weight. (Personally...I am all for that option!) Unfortunately, my own job didn't come with any of these 'perks'. So, I've been searching for something that would keep my body from fusing to the office chair. Behold my fabulous finds!... Pros: Cheap: for about $30 you can get your own 75cm exercise ball to serve as your desk chair. Great for building lower back and core strength - which improve posture and alleviate back pain. Cons: Not very attractive and may even be unacceptable at the office. Balance: if you don't have any of it than this is not for you. Options: If you don't mind spending the extra bucks, you can buy an exercise ball chair - the ball fits on a rolling chair. Check them out at Target and WalMart. The Active Sitting Disc or Wedge:  Pros: Inexpensive - About the same price as the exercise ball. Can be put on top of whatever desk chair you already have. Cons: Not as multipurpose as the exercise ball. Range of movement is less limited so core strengthening isn't as pronounced. Options: Check out these options here. The Treadmill Desk:  Pros: Low impact movement that works the legs and core strength. Burn calories. Cons: Expensive to buy premade. Have to have a treadmill. Could be treacherous to your health if you accidentally step off. Options: If you need the whole nine yards and want a desk that is seemless, then check out Steelcase's Walkstation. But if you don't have an extra 5 grand to spend on a 'new desk'...or if you're feeling industrious, are at least a little bit handy, and you already have a treadmill waiting to be transformed into you very own walkable workstation, this $49 version might suit you just fine. Labels: Fashion and Beauty, Health |
posted by Nornie Gal at 12:28 PM
Hi. I enjoyed your blog. It seems like a lot of fun.
makes me want a treadmill desk. or just a gym membership :)
when you get tagged you have to follow the rules at the bottom of whomever tagged you. (read my blog) - post 6 random things about you :) love ya, k
Very nice article.
The homemade treadmill desk works great! We have a network of treadmill deskers at http://officewalkers.ning.com. Please join us!