Five Office Gadgets to Help You Stay Fit

If you’re anything like me, you’re a slave to the office. Sure, occasionally you’ll get up and walk to a meeting, maybe grab a coffee or break out for a few minutes during lunch. But primarily, you’re at your desk, sitting down, staring at the screen (probably two screens because, let’s be real, it make you more efficient J ) Being stationary in one spot is neither comfortable nor good for you. I’m sure you’ve all seen the options of a standing desk or a giant exercise ball to sit on, but wait, there’s far more to workplace exercise these days. Check it out!

1. Fidget your way through the day. 

Meet the Bouncy Bands for your desk chair (yes, the photos might be of kids at their desks). These quiet bands let you tap your feet, shake and get out the wiggles without bothering your open-concept neighbors.

An article in Fast Company quotes the book “Fidget to Focus,” which states, “If something we are engaged in is not interesting enough to sustain our focus, the additional sensory-motor input that is mildly stimulating, interesting, or entertaining allows our brains to become fully engaged and allows us to sustain focus on the primary activity in which we are participating.”

Not only will you be more active, but you’ll be more dialed in.

2. Not into standing desks? Move while you sit.

The Stamina InMotion Strider is small enough to fit under your desk, but can also help you burn some calories while you’re slaving away on a spreadsheet. For about $60 you can have endless cardio and productivity at the same time! Extra bonus, put this gadget on your desk and get a killer arm workout.

3. The stability ball that won’t take up half of your cube.

I’m sure you’ve seen the giant fitness balls used for chairs at the office. However, if you’re looking for something a little more discreet the, Fitness Mad Stability Cushion can offer you the same type of core stabilizing work as the exercise ball. For about $30 you can slip this gadget on your chair or stand on it while working at a standing desk, and boom – instant core workout.

4. Tech that turns against you when you’re not active.

Need a little extra motivation to keep going? The Gamercize PC-Sport Stepper has software that deactivates your keyboard and mouse if it doesn’t detect enough movement. This elliptical like machine fits under your desk and will keep you going throughout the work day. Not motivated by your keyboard deactivating? Download different games to keep you motivated; all for under $200.

5. The Walkstation:

We’ve all seen the standing desks but now let’s take a look at the Walkstation. This standing desk has a treadmill integrated into it. For a little over $4,000 you can ensure you’re staying active at work without ever leaving your desk. It might take some coordination at first, but in no time you’ll be walking and deal-making like a pro. You may want to skip the high heels for this one.

 

Which office gadgets to help you stay fit have you tried and loved

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About Rachel Mitz

The self-diagnosed work-out-a-holic, Rachel Mitz can be found all around Chicago, staying fit when she isn't crunching numbers as a director of corporate finance for a commercial real estate company. Chicago area bred and University of Illinois alum, Rachel works hard and plays hard so her daily workouts are her chance to connect with her mind and body. Rachel keeps it exciting by creating up a lineup of both fun and challenging morning workouts from personal training sessions, to boot camps, to spin classes or runs along the lake front (she just completed her first marathon in October). For fun, you can find Rachel trying new restaurants, traveling, volunteering with her favorite middle schoolers at San Miguel or enjoying a glass of red wine and fro-yo.