So I Googled 'news' and found this great article online called
'Is sitting a lethal activity?'
And it spurred me to take immediate action since it's now May, and my contest finish line to give away a mouse to whoever guessed my weight the closest on July 1 is fast approaching.
And I haven't lost an ounce (yet - there's still time!).
About the article...
Basically some doctor scientist boffin type by the name of Dr. James Levine developed some undies that constantly detect any physical movement.
Then, I suppose, he thought of a really good use for them....
A number of people as test subjects were fed an exact amount of calories every day.
Their weight was stable.
Then the calories were increased (by a thousand a day if memory serves).
They weren't allowed to exercise.
Some started gaining weight, while others didn't.
An examination of the data collected from the undies showed the ones that didn't gain weight were subconsciously adding fidgety movements into their daily routine to burn off the excess calories, while the others (who gained weight) didn't move any more than usual.
Then it mentioned something he came up with: A new phenomenon called 'Treadmill Desks'.
So I just made one (I'm plodding along at 1mph as I write this).
I wonder if I might have a tendency to do the opposite of the fidgety people:
Perhaps, with a calorie deficit formed by exercise, I'll eat pillows in my sleep.
Or perhaps Meridee will wake up missing an arm?
But I hope not!
Here's how I made my treadmill desk...
I built a dimensionally accurate (although very simplified) version of our treadmill in SketchUp, along with my proposed design for a desk and shelf.
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| my simplified rendering of my treadmill and envisioned desk - the computer and accessories were swiped from Google's 3D Warehouse. |
Then I got all carried away and decided to add my drawing/computing room too...
Just to see how it would look in situ...(much neater than in reality, as you will see)...
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| The 3D person needs a bit more belly, but he came that way (from the 3D Warehouse) so I'll use him as inspiration... |
We've had this treadmill for years and, of course, never used it.
I've tried to give it away twice.
Now I'm glad I had no takers.
I bought my supplies from Lowes...
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| Treadmill Desk supplies |
I got busy with a drill, saw, and screwdriver.
Can you spot the deliberate mistake?
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| Checking it out in the living room... |
Getting the treadmill through my door (which I had to take off) was the hardest part.
I had to fold up the belt, lay it on its side, and using carpet sliders, jiggle it about until I got it through the door.
Then came the woodwork assembly...
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| Here's the deliberate mistake |
Oops...won't be able to shut the door when I put it back on!
A bit more work with the screwdriver and....
That fits much better!
I used a lot of non-slip rubbery stuff between the desk layers to reduce vibrations to my computer.
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| rubbery 'shock absorbers' on the treadmill hand rests, on which the desk top is placed |
Now as I either work (or waste far too much time - whichever fits the bill) on my computer at least I'm losing a bit of lard (I hope!).
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| Ta-Daaa....Me hard at work on my completed treadmill desk with Sprightly mouse along for the ride... |
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Now I need to go and have a sit down!
Learn lots more about treadmill desks...Click
HERE
Treadmill desk blog...Click
HERE
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