Exercise Equipment to Use at Your Desk While You Work or Play

For those of us with a sedentary job, exercise equipment that you can use at your desk while you work can play a key part in keeping fit and healthy.

So many of us have sedentary jobs these days, often working from home. It can be hard to fit in going to the gym and still manage to have a social life and family life. And of course many people also enjoy hobbies like gaming and movie watching which don't involve leaving the couch.

Exercising while you work or play can save a lot of time because if you find the right equipment you can do two things at the same time.

It's unlikely that you'll be able to do a lot of useful work while exercising strenuously, but gentle exercise that keeps your body moving is quite possible while you work. We'll start with some simple inexpensive gadgets that you can try to see how you get on and then move to some more sophisticated equipment for those who are serious about getting regular exercise as they work.

In this article we'll look at a number of exercise gadgets that can be used while you work.

Have you tried a Standing Desk?

This article follows on from my article on using a standing desk. I've got a standing desk set up and find it effective. Finding a way to actually exercise while working is the next step, but if you haven't tried a standing desk then you might want to consider that first.

Using a Standing Desk

I've started using a standing desk. I wish I'd done it sooner. I'll share my experience and some options for stand up desks.

Laptop Holder for Exercise Machines

The SurfShelf Treadmill Desk and Laptop Holder is a simple but effective device for attaching a laptop to your existing exercise equipment.

The SurfShelf can be used with a wide range of treadmills, exercise bikes and other exercise equipment.

The SurfShelf is popular for watching movies and checking email while exercising and at slower speeds you'll be able to use the keyboard too.

SurfShelf Treadmill Desk and Laptop Holder

Only $39.95

View on Amazon

An Under Desk Exercise Bike

An under-desk exercise bike is a a good way to exercise at the office or in a home office. You will need to be able to create a set up where you can exercise and work without bumping your knees on a desk.

If you do some of your work on an iPad or other tablet then this could work really well.

There are cheaper under desk exercise bikes available, but they don't get such good reviews as the

MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser. You can also pop this mini-bike on the desk to exercise your arms - maybe during a conference call where you are using a headset?

MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser

Only $179.99

View on Amazon

Exercise Bike Desk

Another option is an exercise bike with built-in laptop desk like the FitDesk X Compact Pedal Desk.

The exercise bike is included so it's a great option if you don't already have home gym equipment. Using an exercise bike is a good choice for those who need to build up their fitness, you can start slowly, getting some exercise while you work and then increase the resistance as you get fitter or during breaks from work or when you are just watching a movie.

Your laptop fixes securely to the FitDesk X Compact Pedal Desk and you'll be able to watch movies or get some work done while you exercise.

The compact design means that you could take this exercise desk in to your office and exercise as you work. It's also good for home use as it doesn't take up much space.

FitDesk X Compact Pedal Desk for healthy computing and gaming

FitDesk X Compact Pedal Desk for healthy computing and ga...

View on Amazon

A Treadmill Desk

The TrekDesk treadmill desk creates a full office environment around your treadmill (you need to buy a treadmill separately.) It's useful if your job involves more than just using a laptop.

You can have your office phone nearby so you can exercise while on conference calls. (You might even be able to speed up a bit on the dull ones!)

There's room for any reference books and papers you might need. And of course room for the all important bottle of water and cup of coffee.

TrekDesk Treadmill Desk

Only $299.0

View on Amazon

Elliptical Machine with Office Desk

The Elliptical Machine Office Desk

This Elliptical machine office desk is at the luxury end of exercising while you work. A lot of people prefer the smooth motion of an elliptical exercise machine.

You get an elliptical bike with a built-in office chair while can be used at lower speeds while you work. The elliptical has an electronic display so you can monitor and adjust your exercise easily.

You also get a height adjustable office desk which can be set to just the right height for you to work while you pedal. The desk can be raised to a standing position so you can also use it as a standing desk for a change of position during the day.

I wrote this article at my standing desk. I prefer to work standing up as I can stretch and move around and feel much better afterwards. Exercising at my desk seems like the next logical step.

Using my Walking Desk

OK, I've now got a walking desk set up. This is the first piece of work I'm doing using it. I'll update when I've got some more experience to share.

So far it's working well. Actually I'm having more trouble getting used to the new keyboard I bought than with walking slowly while typing. Very promising. (And I'm getting used to the keyboard now too.)

Updated: 05/18/2012, TerriRexson

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Kids Playground Equipment on 06/21/2012

Great posting! This being really helpful for those who don't get time to exercise so just can have simple exercises while working.

BrendaReeves on 03/23/2012

I keep saying I'm going to get a treadmill. Thank you for reminding me that I need to do that soon.

samsons1 on 03/23/2012

What a great idea. It seems if one is able to 'chew gum and walk' at the same time you might just be able to work and exercise simultaneously. Good article with some most interesting equipment to consider.
Thanks for the insight...

Marie on 03/23/2012

I often stand up while working, luckily the kitchen worksurface is just the right height for me to work at this way with my laptop otherwise I would consider a standing desk definitely. Sitting down and not moving much all day is not a good thing. I love the idea of a exercise bike with a laptop stand.

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