Treadmill Desking

[rj_anderson]

Inspired by fellow Canadian YA author Arthur Slade and others, I've taken up walking on a treadmill as I write, watch videos, and browse the web.

It took a while to get a setup that would work for me, as our treadmill is an old fold-up clunker with slanting arms, so my husband had to figure out how to create a platform that was strong enough to hold the laptop but also could be folded up along with the treadmill when not in use.

Fortunately, my husband is a genius. Here's the laptop platform in its tucked-away position:



And here it is all set up and ready to go, with the laptop in place:



Now, watch a short clip of me walking and typing (and even dancing a little) at the same time!

After three days of using the treadmill desk off and on, I could easily see myself getting into the habit of working on the treadmill at least half the time. It's not hard to do 30-45 minutes of writing or browsing before taking a break for another 30-60 minutes and then going back again, and it's a nice healthy change from sitting for 6-8 hours a day.

The drawback of this particular treadmill (though I really can't complain, as it was given to us free) is that it's REALLY LOUD, and also quite bulky. If I really get on a roll (ha) with the treadmill desking, then I think I would invest in a lighter and quieter model like the one Arthur shows in his video. But if I put on my headphones I barely notice the background noise, so I can see myself using this particular setup for a few weeks or months at least.

And hey, maybe I'll even lose a few pounds in the process! Or at least stop being so ridiculously out of shape...

Comments

[labsquint.livejournal.com]

I'm so impressed! And yes, your husband is a genius. Hmmmm... *thinks about investing in a treadmill* *now all she needs is an advance*

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

There are like a million barely-used treadmills on Kijiji for cheap, FTR...

[labsquint.livejournal.com]

Really? Good tip. I should really look into it then. Jordan and I will start cycling soon... but not yet (I'm assuming you got smacked like we did today). Could really use something in the mean time...

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we got whacked with snow big-time. School was cancelled for the boys, so it's been a family sort of day. :)

[labsquint.livejournal.com]

No buses here but I dropped the girls off and had a nightmare drive to Mac because it didn't close either. Then had to pick them up again at the end of the day. SO glad to be home.

[thepix.livejournal.com]

Hey, Sheldon is mine, Missy!

That desk is insane...I'd fall on my face trying to type and walk, though...lol

[jayang.livejournal.com]

This takes more coordination thanI possess, but it looks kind of amazing!

[gamiila.livejournal.com]

Such a nifty idea!

[bostonerin.livejournal.com]

I really want to do this. Now I just need a treadmill and opportunity to write while at home, without a small child hanging on my legs...hmmm....

[grav-ity.livejournal.com]

I say again: I would absolutely kill myself if I ever attempted this. But it looks fun! ;)

[bookaddict88.livejournal.com]

That's so cool!

But walking, listening to music, typing, and thinking (since I assume you're not just typing gibberish) all at the same time? I SO could not manage it!

[tinpra.livejournal.com]

Your husband is awesome! I've recently been writing full-time-ish and have been feeling my lack of motion keenly. Getting up to go to the kitchen and get water/snack/stare-out-the-window doesn't really count, nor the stretching I do in the morning. I hope this really works out well for you!

[deva-fagan.livejournal.com]

So neat! I just asked my mom about an unused treadmill they have, and if it fits in her car/our house I think I am going to try this out!

[troubleinchina.livejournal.com]

I used to do a lot of my reading for class on a stationery (ary? standing still) bike, but I don't think I could actually walk and read at the same time!

[bnharrison.livejournal.com]

Ok--I am now massively envious. Not that I haven't always envied your access to H.'s made building skills, but now, even more so.

[lydaclunas.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness I want to do this, like, stat. I even have the handy husband! Now, if only someone would donate me a treadmill...

[lady-schrapnell.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful! Clever husband, and also clever you - I can't imagine being able to type *and* think *and* walk on treadmill at the same time. The video made me happy.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to let you know, RJ, that I linked to this one on my blog. Fascinating - but scary! My initial impression is that I'd fall right off the thing. ;)