All the new rave is about the new kinds of desks instead of the boring ol’ sit down and get shit done type of desks.

Yes, sure, sitting at a desk all day is not good for your health – but is moving around and attempting to get work done a better approach – judging by this video, not really.

There are other similar “new” types of desks like the stand up desks and even desks where you sit and work while on a stationary bike. Sure you are moving and not just sitting around growing your secretary spread, but is this effective in getting work done and getting healthy at the same time?

I read this comment under the video above – (and sorry if this is you) but it said:

“I’m sorry that your employees who think it sucks have zero balance. I walk 10 miles a day at my job using my treadmill desk. I walk 1.5-2.0 mph. I love it…. “

ooooookkkkkk- well how much work did you get done that day Pal? Probably not much!

Why This Is A Bad Idea

First of all, getting a treadmill installed on your desk is a commitment. While this might be fun in the beginning the novelty will wear off quick and you will soon be looking for a new place to plop down and actually get your work done.

Second, it doesn’t really look like you can work while moving. If you have to read a lot, too much moving will make you lose your place and it will take you 2 hours to get through a blog article….it might even give you a headache. If you are a designer, forget about it. Say goodbye to your precision! Clicking around on the mouse and moving makes you miss your target all too often as one of the guys said in the video. The only place I would think this MIGHT work well if you do a lot of phone work – because you don’t really need to type too much. Walking and talking is one of my favorite things to do so there is an instance where it’s not all that bad! Just make sure you don’t lose your breath 🙂

Overall, it looked like it worked for some but for most, it was not an amazing working environment. It might even take you longer to get stuff done leaving you to have to work even longer hours and I am so not down with that!

A Much Better Approach

Buying Ice Cream instead might be a better approach…actually you will be able to if you follow this simple strategy. I live by this every day that WORKS for me so I know it can work for you.  I either always maintain my weight or even lose sometimes! You also, of course, have to watch what you eat, but I guess that is for another article…baby steps.

Here’s how to increase your productivity AND be more active

It’s not as hard as you might think. Do you have a TO DO list? I hope you do.  To Do lists are so effective and if you have your day planned out, then you can just bang out your to do list and you are done! Super effective.

Well, all you need to do is put exercise on your To Do list. Make it a point to get up off your ass and move around.

Doing this will change your life! No Joke. Not only will you be healthier and more fit….but your mind will open up to new ideas. If you are having a hard day or maybe just a hard time getting motivated, get up and move around, go to the gym and see how your mood changes and see how all of a sudden you have this burst of energy flowing through your veins. It’s amazing how it works! This is better than trying to squeeze in moments of movement when it’s really not appropriate.

And finally, you want exercise to be associated with fun and clearing your head so you can produce amazing things. If you exercise while you work, then where is your escape? When is your happy time? Where is the time to let the exercise run it’s course instead of being associated with work which could mean stress, deadlines and pressure!

If You Are Still Considering This ‘Fake Exercise’ Desk….

I got news for you….going on a treadmill, even if it’s for 15 minutes MIGHT just be enough to burn off a can of soda (like 300 calories…if you are LUCKY).  This means that going on a treadmill does not justify eating an entire pizza pie afterwards…”WHAT, I EXERCISED TODAY!” – yeah sure, watch the pounds pack on if you live by that standard!

Be careful of these gimmicks.  This just seems like a fad – here today and no ass gone tomorrow. Get the ice cream – you’ll be better off and you’ll save a ton of money!

=> What are your thoughts on this poor excuse for a piece of exercise equipment?