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Work in Progress, Worklife, Workplace, TIME

October 18, 2007 2:00

I'm so fat I need a treadmill at my desk

Posted by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen | Comments (62) | Permalink | Trackbacks (0) | Email This

American workers are fat--and it's our employers' fault. According to The Marlin Company’s just-released 2007 workplace poll conducted by Harris Interactive,

just 36% of workers in 2004 said their company was “very active” or “somewhat active” in offering information about exercise and healthy eating, 22% fewer than in 2007. The number of employees whose companies were “not at all” or “not very active” has dropped from 63% in 2004 to 41% in 2007. Meanwhile, it seems that companies have not made the same strides to discourage junk food consumption. In the 2004 survey, 84% of workers whose companies had vending machines said their workplace vending machines were stocked with snacks, such as potato chips, cookies, and candy bars, a difference of just 9% over 2007.

Yeah! I'd be Ashley Olsen if it weren't for that damn Snickers bar singing an aria at me from the kitchen vending machine. Whoever put that there is the one to blame for my creeping weight gain. If only they'd replace the oily, sugary snacks with a basketful of raw cabbage--well, hello, America's Next Top Middle-Aged Model.

So what's the answer, other than planting an IED in the snack-food dispenser? Steelcase and Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic think they've got one: the treadmill cubicle.

You read me right. It's called the Walkstation. From Steelcase:

Designed to encourage more movement by walking slowly at work, Dr. Levine estimates that users of the walkstation have the potential to increase energy expenditure and burn calories even when walking at a 1 mph rate. For some individuals, particularly for obese individuals and those who do not otherwise exercise daily, use of the walkstation may result in actual weight loss. Additional benefits of movement at work can include less stress, increased productivity and improved focus.

Check it out:

Walkstation_Press_Kit_photos%20001.jpg

Now, you TIME subscribers might remember my "newbicles" article of 2006 (a trend which, I might point out, the Wall Street Journal got around to discovering just this week). You can read my article online but if you've got 'em lying around, dig up the July 9, 2006, issue for the terrific graphics. Even those newfangled cubicles, you'll see, focus more on things like increased privacy, interchangeability and hip design--not on flab reduction.

Would I want to exercise at my desk while, say, interviewing a CEO on the phone and scribbling notes? More importantly: could I pull it off without collapsing in a humiliating heap? I may go check it out myself at the press event; says here there'll be refreshments. Wonder if I can walk 1 mph, type, and talk on the phone without getting nougaty Snickers crumbs on my dress.


Reader Comments

Posted by Yadgyu
October 18, 2007

"American workers are fat--and it's our employers' fault."

You are correct. Americans should quit working so they can lose weight and be in perfect health. Every unemployed person I know has the physique of an athlete, model, or bodybuilder.

Employment is leading to the destruction of America's health. We need to find a vaccine or a cure for this dreadful plague. Until a cure comes about, I think that every employee in America that has a vending machine at their jobs should file a class-action lawsuit against their employers, snack food makers, vending machine manufacturers, and the electric companies that provide electricity to keep these machines running. We need activism!

Posted by Chris
October 18, 2007

While I think the Walkstation is a terrible idea (sorry, but really, I can't imagine that, although integrating it into other activities [http://theweightlifter.blogspot.com/2006/10/low-cal-6011-min-warbiking-3-months-41.html#links] like games, I just wouldn't like more noise) I really like the how it seems like more businesses are offering gym memberships/facilities to their employees. I've just been looking at internship opportunities for next summer (as I am a college student) and two or three notes gym memberships as employee benefits.

Whatever the case may be for employers, it's up to the individual to eat healthy and exercise. Looking around at all the other students, it is amazing what passes for eating habits. I'm a guy with no self-restraint when it comes to delicious foods, but I never grew up with snack food and half these kids live on it.

Posted by Gerry
October 18, 2007

Hmm. I...hmm.

There's another application for the Walkstation: use it to power your computer. That way you have to walk to do any work. The more work you wnat to do, the faster you have to walk. This works well with my idea to literally make people pull their own weight at work. The heavier you are, the more pounds you have to drag around with you. That will help people lose weight.

Posted by Gerry
October 18, 2007

And how would you get any work done with a heart rate monitor on your finger? Can anyone use a keyboard or a mouse and walk at the same time? I can only imagine coworkers complaining about the crank phone calls coming from the heavy-breathing guy in the cube next door. And there is no chair. It's not even an option. So even if you're not walking you're still pulling an Ernest Hemingway just to get work done. Maybe a recumbent bicycle is a better option. At least then you can sit if you don't feel like exercising.

Posted by Lenette
October 18, 2007

You know what's really bad? Getting fat working at the fitness center! I'll take one!

Posted by skyanchor
October 18, 2007

I like Gerry's treadmill power generation idea. True, you'd have to push your legs harder than you would with a motorized treadmill, but not only would you be getting in shape, you'd be helping your company reduce its electric bill. A bonus is that you don't have to remember to turn off your computer at night.

Posted by Yadgyu
October 18, 2007

"...not only would you be getting in shape, you'd be helping your company reduce its electric bill."

What incentive is there in that? You wouldn't get an extra quarter if the company got electricity for a penny.

This idea of a treadmill would not work for anyone who works outside of an office. Those who work in retail or manufacturing would get no benefit from a treadmill.

Posted by JC
October 19, 2007

um, actually lisa, if they DID replace the oily, sugary snacks with a basketful of raw cabbage, you might have an entirely new workplace problem on your hands (and in the air)...

Posted by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen
October 19, 2007

i've got it, i've got it. how about if the computer is powered by the treadmill which is powered by the gas which is powered by the cabbage...?

Posted by Anonymous
October 19, 2007

have you any IDEA how much work it takes to power a computer? lets put it this way: say you have a computer that consumes 100 watts (conservative estimate, monitor alone consumes at least 20). 100 watts for 6 hours? No way.

Posted by CMLS
October 19, 2007

It would be far better to have pedals/cycle under the desk because you could at least write without a wiggle!

Posted by farkology
October 19, 2007

FAIL. The idea is that if you move more than your fingers 8 hours at work you don't have to kill an hour or two of your off time every other day.

Posted by Gerry
October 19, 2007

Anon, let me introduce you to something called a "joke"...

Posted by Annie
October 19, 2007

I have tried this product. The treadmill only goes .5 to 2mph and is meant for slow walking only. No sweating or heavy breathing at all. It is very easy. There is model that utilizes a chair, just not shown. I would love to walk one or two hours per day while taking care of some email. Get me up off my aching rear, not affect my productivity because i don't have to leave to do it and maybe loose some weight without dieting, love it!

Posted by skyanchor
October 20, 2007

Anon, it's performance per watt, baby, performance per watt! What could be more motivating for people to upgrade to a new high performace-per-watt green CPU than the prospect of reducing their own exertions?

And Lisa, brilliantly innovative idea! I suppose it would be a matter of digestive efficiency in your scenario: gas output per unit cabbage input. Could we increase efficiency here by adding a fermentation catalyst?

For those who work in retail or manufacturing, as Yadgyu points out, how about if we simply attach tiny windmills to their bodies to generate electricity as they walk about? The personal benefit would be that wind drag from the spinning blades would require enough additional calories of exertion to enhance fitness. It's a win-win!

I'd suggest convening a panel to study each of these approaches in detail.

More seriously, I think Annie has the right idea. Even a little excercise goes a long way, and, speaking from personal experience, sitting too many hours continuously in one position is hard on the back, so there would be health benefits in that regard as well.

Posted by Jay Buster
October 23, 2007

Treadmill Desks are great! How do I know? I built one for $49 (I already had the treadmill).

I love my Treadmill Desk so much I created a blog to spread the word:

http://www.Treadmill-Desk.com/

I've already lost 16 lbs in the past 4 months. You can too!

Posted by David Eggerichs
October 23, 2007

I love my Treadmill workstation. That's why I built one and sell it for way cheaper than Steelcase.

http://www.thewalknwork.com

It really is one of those things that once you do it you never go back. But it's tough to imagine it because you have never thought of doing it before.

Posted by Jennifer Schaepper
October 24, 2007

I agree with Jay and David - I cant imagine sitting at a desk again. The company I work for http://www.kybun.ch
has a standalone version that can be placed under any normal sized raised desk. When I'm tired of walking (usually walk in the morning while texting and checking mails) I place a kyBounder (springy floor that allows you to stand soft) on the walking surface and keep working. We have no chairs in our office but no one misses them.

Posted by GZ
October 27, 2007

@CMLS

How right you are. Save yourself $3800 in the process.

Posted by Anitsirk
October 29, 2007

Ummm, anyone heard of WILL POWER? You can't blame your employer for the choices YOU make in regards to food. Are they shoveling the food down your throat too? Have some accoutability for your own actions. Bring some fruit to work.

Posted by S. W. Vaughn
October 29, 2007

*blink*

Wow. What will they think of next?

I'm speechless. Except for those previous words, of course.

(Great article, Lisa :-)

Posted by RieRie
October 29, 2007

LOL, the moment I saw this I thought of the Fisher-Price "toy" I've been seeing on tv lately. The little tyke is a ball of energy and gets on it and moves and learns at the same time!
Actually if you ask me, parents asked for something like this because of the increasing obesity of American children.

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=135451&e=product&pid=41460

Posted by emily
October 29, 2007

hahahaha, the first comment was hilarious.

I think the IDEA of not sitting around during work is an excellent one...and what they have produced is something that has probably gone through everybody's mind. Heck, I would love it if I worked like that!

However, it isn't that simple. Workers would have a hard time concentrating, the food options in vending machines are not the healthiest (so the calories come back to haunt your thighs), and the machine itself costs a crapload.

This is only the START of a great idea, it just isn't quite there yet.

Posted by Krypty
October 29, 2007

I know people who just sit and eat their way through the workday. It is terrible. I worked for a company that offered gym benefits and encouraged taking a longer lunch break to go to the gym and workout. That benefit didn't even help some of the people lose weight. I think for some people the problem is more psychological than physical. I would love to have one of those walk stations!

Posted by krypty
October 29, 2007

One more thing - I don't remember many fat kids running around when I was growing up about 20 years ago. What happened? I am guessing it is overindulgence.

Maybe something like this machine would encourage children to exercise while playing on the computer.

Posted by Juanjo de Regules
October 29, 2007

Great, and the snack-food dispenser can pose physical challenges on us chubby people. For instance, the coin should be inserted in floor 7 and the "regular coke" dispensed on floor 12. While the chips have to be picked-up on the second floor.

And you better hurry, there's always the predatory sob who'll pick it up for you and eat it, too. Like the proverbial cake. Talk about a free lunch!
Or fat-free lunch?

Posted by Ashley
October 29, 2007

I think its a bad idea because when I'm looking at a computer without a treadmill running underneath me, I get dizzy as it is. SO... probably with a treadmill underneath me, I might pass out completely. I am all for excerize and work as well, but should stay seperate.

Posted by Teresa
October 29, 2007

Hmmm. Did you ever stop to think it's not just fat or obese people that might benefit from this? I have a chronic contition which leaves me in constant pain. I cannot sit for long periods of time, nor can I stand for long periods of time. I have a desk job. Often times I am so busy and engrossed in what I am doing that I "forget" to move. When I do, oh my gosh! I am so stiff and so sore, an 80 year-old is much more springy in step and spirit than I am. I suffer tremendously from constant, chronic pain. I refuse to take narcotics to help because I'd rather suffer pain than addiction. So, this walking work station would actually benefit me, and others like me that have problems other than being fat. I try to take walking breaks as often as possible, but it effects productivity. In addition, my condition causes extreme exaustion because I am constantly battling the pain. Oddly enough, the more active I am, the better I feel, & the less exausted I am. I can't stay active because I have a sedentary job and am the soul-support for my family. NO, medical disability is not an option. Walking at a slow pace for a few hours at a time would be a great solution for me. I could walk when I need to ease the pain, and still work. I could sit when I started hurting from walking too much, and still work. It would be a win-win solution for my employer and me.

Posted by Grnch07
October 29, 2007

This seems like a foolish idea at first, but I won't knock it too much. There are some who really could benefit from even a little activity in their day.

I eat pretty healthy and have good willpower, but with a damaged back I do have to sit every hour or so. Likewise I can't sit for too long at a stretch either and must stand every so often.

Also; 20 years ago children were given 3 recesses a day. Now they are given one after lunch and then it can be shortened or done away with depending on the progress of the SOL cramming that occurs every year.

Posted by top weight loss site
October 29, 2007

I am not trying to be a poor sport about this issue but why are we blaming employers for employees being overweight. Why does the employee just bring healthy snacks instead of going to the vending machine. I believe healthy snacks should be put into the vending machine but still I believe the fault is the people who do not take care of themselves. I pray that people will start taking action instead of putting the blame on someone else.

Posted by Marleigh
October 29, 2007

I think I would get dizzy and get a headache if I tried to use the computer and walk at the same time. But I *do* wish there was a way I could work more physical activity into my almost completely sedentary desk job!

Posted by Frank
October 29, 2007

This is a great idea especially for those of us like me who work at home.

I have a workstation desk for sale. It is called the Walk-A-Weigh and I sell it for $249.99. plus shipping.

The Walk-A-Weigh fits over your treadmill, is made of strong plastic and is light weight. I have personally used the Walk-A-Weigh for the last 6 months and can tell you it really does work! I started walking at 1.5 mph. But now I can walk as fast as 3.5 mph and still type!

Send an e-mail to fquinn4@cox.net and I will send you photos.

Posted by Joe Frazier
October 29, 2007

Internet porn makes for good stress relieving exercise, too

go take a walk outside, fatsos

Posted by nada
October 29, 2007

seriously, people need to stop blaming others! i'm sure the vending machines have more than just high calorie and high fat foods. and if not even that, a snicker's bar could only really hurt you if you eat more than one every day. otherwise, take care of yourself and have self control!
this would probably be a good idea, if the employee agrees on it of course. or use the bicycle type.
or perhaps those days off when these people just become a couch potato and eat chips while watching tv, just take a short walk or hit the gym. an hour walk a day may help keep the fat away

Posted by Frank Bumgardner
October 29, 2007

I have been in a a workout program for the last
30 years. Some time in the gym and other at home.
I am 66 years old. 6 0 160 lbs. BP 109/67
standing paluse rate of 146. Get the picture.
At the present I work out at home.
I do floor movements and and use weights,aboute 1 hr. I walk
very fast 2.5 miles, aboute 38-40 minutes. I do this 3 times a week.
I do this each day before I go to work.
A long time ago, I figured this would be cheaper
than paying for medical services. I plan to retire at 70 and be in good health. I can have a lot of fun with the money I saved and will save from not paying for all those health services.
HAVEING FUN IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.

Posted by Anonymous
October 30, 2007

How about a slideout treadmill stored under your already existing computer desk? With a conventional swivel chair and computer desk, maybe it could be stored in a two-or-three-fold manner so we could have our choice of sitting or standing. Just roll the chair aside, and pull out the treadmill and fold and push it back when you've run out of steam.

Annie, I've tried everything and can't find a picture of the "treadmill that utilizes a chair". Can you help me?

"Frank's" Walkaweigh sounds like a brilliant idea. Hey, Frank or one of you other creative geniuses, how about setting up a website and brainstorming my suggestion for those of us who do not have a personal treadmill due to going to a gym for that. There are other great suggestions here too.

Enjoyed the humorous comments: LOL

Posted by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen
October 30, 2007

i'm amazed at how many clever entrepreneurs out there are hawking their own versions of the walkstation! turns out steelcase is totally late to the game. you entrepreneurs might want to check your copyrights.

good point, teresa; workers with back injuries or other disabilities would benefit from more exercise options at work, too.

Posted by Andrew Schlegel
October 31, 2007

Fitness is hard work, and becoming fit requires deep personal commitment. You can do it, but if it's not one of your priorities, forget about it. While this product might be of great benefit to Teresa, who posted above, most of you don't need your employer to buy you a desk mill, you need to answer the question, "Do I want to make the most of my life?"

It's not okay to be overweight. Arguing that it's okay to be overweight is selfish. It's a burden for yourself, it's a burden for your family, and it's a burden for society. The body and mind do not exist independently of one another, and your body and mind do not exist independently of others'. Fitness is just, and working toward it makes every moment of life better.

Don't forget that hard work can be fun! You choose your attitude. Discover the art of healthy cooking, shoot hoops in your driveway, play a team sport at a local fitness club, learn the discipline of yoga (which deliberately exercises the mind and body together)! There are avenues for everyone.

Posted by In-Ki Hong, Seoul, Korea
November 6, 2007

I walk daily 15 milkes while working at my labtop in Korea. Since then, I am much less stressed, loose weight, and feel nomore tired in the evening. I would not work anymore on a chair. I use a kytrainer from www.kybun.net

Posted by damonica
November 8, 2007

i love it
i have gained so much weight
i think its a good idea
now if we could get the companies to pay for it

Posted by paul
November 14, 2007

a lot of people are knocking it without trying it. I am using it every day and it is just as easy as walking and chewing gum. take a look at the research Dr. Levine has done. a lot of people are listing units for 250ish dollars but those things just on treadmills that will go 10+ mph.... that wouldn't cut it in the office environment.

Posted by miri
December 3, 2007

What's all this "willpower" talk? Or is it just general disgust at the idea that someone should have the effrontery to be overweight and to want to do something to reduce the poundage?

I was inspired by all of this stuff, so I set up a standing workstation 3 days ago, just with stacks of books on my desk. I'm trying to walk in place while typing.

Posted by Megan N
December 4, 2007

Great article, Lisa. I get so bored slouching at the desk all day. I have to push my chair out of the way, and work on the computers standing up lot of time during the day.

Posted by Marrionella
December 6, 2007

I have Furniture blog.
But you site is better than my.

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About Work In Progress

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen
Nina Subin

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen is a staff writer for TIME. She blogs about work. Why? Because TV was taken. Think of her as the grumpy colleague ranting by the water cooler.
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Email her here:
lisa_cullen at timemagazine.com

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