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We could complain until the end of time about the simple fact that we never have enough time. Our universally busy schedules are as central to modern American culture as fatty fast food and obesity. Are you seeing a pattern?
Well, in the spirit of American innovation and technological advancement, we are finding ways to cram exercise into our ever-busier schedules.
For those who work 9 and 10 hour days—the new norm—it’s hard to pull yourself out of bed extra early and at the end of the day all energy and good intention is long gone. Bringing cool gadgets and traditional gym gear into the workplace is also more realistic than thinking you could make it to your local fitness center, where you will work out, shower and make it back, all in less than 30 minutes. Many professionals will find that the only way to fit it all in is to either multitask or lend small chunks of time to exercising throughout the workday.
These workplace workouts aren’t a new phenomenon, but many of these gadgets make it more effective and more discreet. Some of the featured products are pure genius, and others, maybe not so much, but we’ve compiled a comprehensive list anyway. Whatever you love to do at your local gym, there is likely an office-friendly accessory ready to make your life a little easier.
Hand Fitness Trainer (Photo above)
Although this device looks like something out of the Terminator movies, the hand fitness trainer($29.95) might offer some real world benefits. Winner of the Medical Design Excellence Award, this device is said to aid in the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, among others. The trainer works by providing resistance when opening your hand, working the muscles that are neglected in everyday motion. It can be used on either hand and could also benefit forearms and upper arms.
The Walkstation
If you thought falling off the treadmill at the gym was embarrassing, you should try it at work surrounded by flying papers and your laughing co-workers. The walk station or treadmill desk is one of the most notorious solutions to stagnant workdays. In addition to fitting in some mild cardio, ditching the chair has benefits of its own.
If you can get your boss onboard, most models will set you back at least $1,000. The LifeSpan TR800 DT5 pictured here is offered at $1,299 and includes a protective mat.
WeBike
Prefer spin classes to walking on a treadmill?WeBike is the fitness accessory of your dreams! Not only do the seats offer an opportunity to burn calories through pedaling, they offer incentive. The user creates power that can be used to charge devices, so you have to work out in order to get work done.
Each seat can produce 30 watts of power and the display shows how much energy you’re creating. According to Discovery.com, this particular model goes for $13,000.
Fitness Ball Chair
The fitness ball trend is a popular solution for sedentary workers concerned about their posture. The ball supposedly promotes good posture and core muscle engagement, but some say these benefits are unproven.
Whatever the case may be, you can always take it off the base and use it for crunches and triceps dips during your lunch break. The ball doesn’t cost much ($20) but the stand can get a bit costly, ranging from $52 to $149—ball included, of course.
The Tilt-'n-Whirl Buoy
For those of you not ready to commit to the full-on fitness ball, here’s a step in the direction of normalcy. The Buoy is marketed to those of us who “can’t possibly think and sit still at the same time.” The chair/stool tilts 12 degrees from its resting position, which will engage your core and it lifts 5.5 inches using the handles on the side. The chair can be used anywhere, but it featured in offices and gyms. At only $181 each, you should buy a few for all your cubicle buddies.
The GymyGym chair
The GymyGym chair looks like a typical ergonomic office seat until you take a closer look. Outfitted with resistance bands and several handles, the chair offers ways to exercise practically every major part of your body: arms, shoulders, chest, back, core and legs. What this particular piece of equipment lacks in subtlety during use, it makes up for in a dynamic and convenient office work out. For a measly $799, the only remaining question is black or red—or one of each?
Under Desk Cycle
One of the more realistic fitness tools for the typical worker who’s chained to a cubicle. This piece of machinery tucks almost imperceptibly under your desk, preserving whatever chance you might still be invited to happy hour. If you don’t care about office popularity, you can set it on top of your desk for an upper body workout.
And if cycling isn’t your thing, there are step machine and elliptical options that will also fit beneath your desk. These machines start at about $34.
"No, Sweat!" Office Furniture
Health-conscious office owners, meet Vancouver designer Darryl Agawin. He has created this minimalist masterpiece that pulls double duty as both an office set and a gym. The desk, chair and lamp turn into gym equipment that can be used for hundreds of different exercises. Price not currently available.
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