Getting Erect In the Office
No, I don’t mean standing tall and showing a sideways pattern in the pants gentlemen. I mean standing up and moving during the work shift. A lunch hour break to get up and walk around really doesn’t count as “daily exercise”, especially when you are going to buy your healthy fast food that was made in 48 seconds.
This inactive lifestyle applies more to the office workers who spend 9-5 sitting at a desk and sliding down their chair as the day goes on. This, my friends, is not going to do you any favours during your retired days. As a business professional in the sports industry I noticed myself sitting at a desk all day while discussing the importance of being active. I felt a hypocrite every single day. NO MORE!
Recently I have noticed entrepreneurs trying to solve this issue. It began a few months back when I noticed a funny looking desktop office piece in my new office. I had to find out its purpose. Since then I have been using a varidesk which was created by Fitter First. It is one of many office supplies designed to increase movement while in the office.
From day one with my new desk we have gotten along. I find myself standing for at least half of the day while working. It also fulfills my unconscious desire to be a DJ as I often find myself standing and jamming. Next I came across a few newer ideas such as balance boards and treadmill desks. Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. My most recent discovery is an article on LinkedIn written by James Brigg who is a reporter for The Indianapolis Star, about a company known as InMovement that is releasing desks that face each other so that meetings can be done face to face on the move. Seems really awkward when you first think about it. I guess it’s a true test to see if people react better on their feet.
Since most of this is still relatively new to me and I am still in the “honeymoon phase” with my discoveries I am wondering if it is going to be something that becomes a trend in office spaces. Do you think it is something you would invest in? Will these ideas be forgotten in a couple of years or is it just the beginning?