Many of us sit at a desk for extended periods each day – and that has doctors worried. Researchers are beginning to understand the associated health risks triggered by sitting for long durations, and suggest that people need to stand up, walk, and generally be more active throughout their day. One way to get more exercise might be to try out the Active Desk, which combines a recumbent exercise bike with a work desk, allowing you to leisurely pedal off the pounds throughout the day.
Because you still remain seated at an Active Desk, it's unclear if it will reduce the health risks as dramatically as a standing desk. However, according to its inventor Jim Martin (Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the College of Health, University of Utah, and a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine), users can expect to burn 300 to 800 calories a day with low intensity pedaling.
According to an overview by James A. Levine, M.D. and Ph.D. published online at the Mayo Clinic's website, those who spent four hours or more sitting in front of a television or computer had:
- A nearly 50 percent increased risk of death from any cause
- About a 125 percent increased risk of events associated with cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain or heart attack
Active Desk is currently raising funds at the crowdfunding site RocketHub, it's quoting US$2,000 to purchase one of the first desks off the production line. That's considerably cheaper than the US$13,154 WeBike, which has a similar function but sits three people.
The desk features a sliding tray designed to support your elbows, which keeps your body steady as you type or mouse your mouse, and has an adjustable seat for different height configurations.
