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'Gamercize' Cardio at Our Desk
Gustoman writes "A new device that hit the market this week may not be able to help you put in fewer hours in the office, but it can help you get a good cardio workout while you're troubleshooting that laptop or reviewing that spreadsheet.
Gamercize, a British company, this week launched the GZ PC-Sport & Power Steppe, which is designed to fit underneath a standard-sized desk so someone can sit at their computer or talk on the telephone while using the stepper.
Gamercize officials note that the machine is not just a small version of a StairMaster machine that you'd find at the gym. The machine can be hooked up to a keyboard or mouse through a USB port. The user can set it up so they can use the stepper whenever they want, or they can prevent their keyboard or mouse from working unless they're exercising.
There are five settings on the under-desk step machine. The lowest setting lets workers simply exercise their legs at an easy pace whenever they want. At the top level, the work out is much harder and the user must exercise to keep his or her keyboard or mouse working.
At the lowest setting, a user could burn 100 to 200 calories an hour. At the top level, it is possible to burn as many as 500 calories an hour. (That's like burning off the equivalent of an entire milk shake.)"
So why don't they set it up to recharge your laptop battery too?
The simple truth is that interstellar distances will not fit into the human imagination
- Douglas Adams
But in my momma's basement, I don't have a desk.....
And besides, consuming 3 Mountain Dew's per hour more than offsets the measly 100 calories they claim I could burn.
and patent my self winding iPod
http://www.CelloFourteGroupie.net
. . . is it *really* that hard to get to the gym or outside to exercise? Sometimes a break away from your desk is a good thing. Stuff like this just preserves the sweatshop mentality already too prevalent in many IT shops. Just my .02.
If you're drinking 500 calorie milkshakes then this is probably something you need. If you can fit it under the desk with your huge fat legs.
http://twitter.com/onion2k
I wouldn't recommend using it while on the phone. People might get the wrong idea from your heavy breathing. (Or the right one, depending on who you are calling).
ccalam - acoustic versions of new songs.
How - puff pant - can I help you - pant puff - your account's locked - puff pant - certainly - pant puff - I'll reset your password
Sorry, I forgot, we're never that helpful.
init 11 - for when you need that edge.
Does it work with Linux?
The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
Simple steps to get some exercise without going to and paying for a gym.
- Leave you car at home, ride a bike to go to work, visit your friends
- Dont use escalators or elevators
- Run a few blocks in the morning or evening
- Get a hobby that does not involve sitting in front of a tv or monitor
Its just that easy and in the end might get you a few more years of healthy living.No more playing games or watching TV for hours without EARNING IT >;-) SimBuddha PS I WANT ONE...
I was just wondering how it would effect the work place, if everybody was doing this. Wouldn't it cause a major sweat and thus a terrible smell? I am also worried about the noise level, from the machine, but also as a previous poster commented, the puff puff from human beings.
... as an excuse for breathing heavily down the phone.
http://www.gamercize.net/pcsport.htm
ds
Not that I need to go on a diet or nothin'. I agree with AltGrendel though, it SHOULD recharge your laptop battery! Hate to think of all those calories going to waste...
No, that's called "advertising".
Slashdot social media options: AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, Jabber and Mobile Text. Why no MySpace?
Really all depends on whether it's his baby or not doesn't it!
My sister-in-law-to-be bought one of these things on a home shopping channel a year or so ago. Or more accurately, one of those mechanisms. From what I can see in photographs shown in another web page, it looks quite similar.
Hers hadn't been marketed as an under-the-desk exercise solution, but instead came with a handlebar support one gripped while standing on the pedals. In that capacity, I found it ridiculous. The piston mechanism under each pedal readily collapsed under my weight, though they might indeed be better suited for this application.
As for the computer interface, I suspect it's built on top of the same mechanism that, in our case, drove a simple mechanical digital counter.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, write technology blogs.
I lost a stone and a half using Gamercize
Uh oh, better run to the emergency room! I hear they can reattach those things (with minimal impact on your sex life!) if you get there quick enough and keep them in a cooler full of ice on the way . . .
Could this be fitted on airplanes as a help to stopping DVT on long flights?
It could stow away under the seat if you didn't want it... plus you wouldn't have to watch the silly 'inflight exercises' video.
I prefer exercise bikes. If they do this in a bike form and make the seat nice and comfortable, I'd be all over it. I rarely play games these days because so many more useful things to be doing, but I wouldn't mind sitting for hours on end to catch up on the latest titles if I'm getting some decent exercise along with it.
Call me a romantic, but if the sight of an emotionally distant, overweight gamer bouncing his legs up and down under his desk isn't enough to get the old flame rekindled, what is?
Yet another piece of junk out there. Honestly who is really going to buy this and use it at there desk. No employer is going to waste their money on junk like this. Its distracting too, sitting at your desk doing a mini stair stepper. Besides its good to get away from the desk every now and then. Go get a *%&$ing gym membership!
...this can give online games like ET an whole new dimension...Fuel Depot where every inch is conquered with a drop of sweat mixed with tears...in the end the neighbor downstairs calls the cops...
Yam, yam, uga booga, yam, yam, yade, yade, uga booga, yam, yam, yade, yade
It seems to me that anyone who is just looking for a quick fix or convenient means to fix their weight issues won't ever keep the weight off. In order for someone to get in shape, it takes some real dedicated effort. If going outside, setting aside 1/2 hour 3 days a week, or getting to the gym is too much of a hurdle for you to exercise, you're never going to get into shape. Plus, who wants to work up a sweat while at work? Smelling like you just got back from the gym won't win you any points with the boss.
I have yet to see any exercise machine that doesnt make any noise, except maybe "power grips".
Sure, most office environments are noisy, but it's office noise, not gym noise.
My suggestion is get a nice folding bike, like a Brompton for example, that you can keep in your cubicle and go for a relaxing ride during your lunch break.
As a bonus, it'll reduce your stress levels
In this age, any machine that is manually operated especially those designed for the sole purpose of offering physical resistance to muscles, needs to have a generator attached to it so that the exercise charges a battery.
I have a cheap crank flashlight. Inside is a small generator with a stiff winder, a NiMH battery, and four high-intensity white LEDs. Cheap and effective. This kind of thing should be inside every exercise bicycle and piece of gym equipment, along with a device that converts battery AC to standard wall-outlet.
. . . is it *really* that hard to get to the gym or outside to exercise?
Yes. YES. It's hard to get the TIME. Many people have so many demands on their time, both business and social, that taking an hour (or make it 1h30, what with changing, showering, warming up/down etc) is very difficult. If you can take that long for your lunch hour and go during the day, lucky you. I know I can't, and I would much rather use the time I am sitting at my desk letting my brain do the work, to exercise my body at the same time.
Stuff like this just preserves the sweatshop mentality already too prevalent in many IT shops.
This is ridiculous. You're not doing it to benefit THEM, you're doing it for yourself.
Yeah sure... buy that. Why not... if you bought all other silly exercising equipment.
True story.
My friend and his wife, decided to get themselves a stepper.
- Why?
- Ah.. you know... for exercising. We started putting on some weight, with all late suppers and all (they are both MDs and often work long hours).
- Well... OK.. but why throw away money on that thing? You guys live on 7th floor. Why not walk THOSE steps once in a while?
- Oh... but we are tired when we come from work.
- Soo... when exactly will you be using the stepper? In the morning before you go to work?
- Well... no... but I can use it on weekends...
So, as this was going nowhere, I gave up. No point in turning this into an argument.
They bought a used stepper. It also came with those rubber bands that you should pull on so you could exercise arms as well.
To my knowledge, that part of it was never used.
For about a week or so, they kinda exercised using the stepper.
Couple of weeks ago, I was at their place and I noticed the stepper. Under the bed in the bedroom (it used to stay in front of the TV in the living room), collecting dust.
They still live on the 7th floor. They still use elevator when they go out for milk.
Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens
Nice idea but... I get yelled at for humming, tapping pens, repeatedly making my chair squeak, or making any repitious noise (besides typing of course). There's no mention on the website of how quiet this thing is, so I'm not sure how receptive fellow office workers would be to it.
An eight oz serving of your average vanilla ice cream (which is like, three scoops) has over 500 cals in it...
Well, there's your problem. A proper milkshake starts off with three scoops of Rocky Road or Heavenly Hash. Vanilla, Pfft. If I wanted water, I'd ask for water.
When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
I can't tell if you're joking or not... but just in case I'm being "Humor Impaired" (I need more sleep)
A stone is 14 pounds, or about 6.4 Kg
I will not give in to the terrorists. I will not become fearful.
... of heart failure for chatting (and excercising) too long at work.
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I do exercise. I run and lift weights. However, when I am at work, I sit for 8-16 hours. I would use this device. I would not expect to get the same workout as I do when I run or lift, but instead I would expect to get the workout of a light walk in the park. If I spent just half of my work days walking instead of sitting, I think my general fitness would vastly improve. So, if I can sit and code while I get the exercise equivalent of a light walk, then I think its a great product (for me).
I have a simple 25 lb free weight I keep at my desk and do a few curls whenever code is compiling. (Cost $20, found anywhere)
You really, really shouldn't be doing cardio at your desk though. You should become sweaty and stinky by the end of it (assuming you're actually getting a workout) which your coworkers probably won't appreciate. Just jog for 20 minutes after work.
-- Political fascism requires a Fuhrer.
There's no way this thing will fit under my desk, along with the Cheetos, Dr. Pepper, Nutter Bars, Moon Pies, Mountain Dew, Reese's Cups, and the lifetime supply of Girl Scout cookies.
Sure baby, I'll give you my phone number...in Hex
If you're playing a stairclimbing game with your stairclimber, then you're no better than the guy that drives 2 miles to the gym, runs 4 miles on treadmill, then drives home. It's a good idea, but a waste of resources unless it is helping to run the computer with your extra wattage.
stuff |
I have not done anything remotely related to execise after I crushed my stress-reliever ball last year.
Damn, and I liked that ball too. It laste me a whole month.
I hadn't noticed.
I find this stupid.
Cut calories, cut snacks, you'll drop weight. All this little device is going to do is build up muscles in your legs, and "500" calories an hour? Seriously? Just for moving your feet? I think not unless you're pushing the Rock of Gibraltar. Do you want giant calfs and muscles on top of them? I think not.
If you can't exercise cut your caloric intake, even on a week where I worked 70 hours I still dropped 3 pounds. The whole secret is watch what you eat. Exercise makes the body look better, and cutting calories isn't a substitute for most of what exercise does, but the fact is there's not enough time to work out for everyone, and this device is a joke.
Some exercise professionals recommend that instead of sitting on a chair at work, you sit on a Swiss ball. Then your core muscles have to work moderately hard to keep you stable. I haven't tried it but it's said to be fairly tiring to do it all day long.
If you prefer to just burn some energy, there's always the desk treadmill.
-- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
The key to Gamercize is the rather ingenious coupling of the words `Gamer' and `Circumcise'.
Ah yes, the stairmaster. Row upon row of them sit idle at my gym. I have only ever seen one person use them there. They have quite fallen out of fashion. Everyone goes for the elliptical these days, as well as the old standbys of the treadmill and the stationary bikes. I see a bright future ahead for Gamercize.
now work will smell like a gym
These new devices just aren't the alternatives to normal exercise.
First off, eat right. No matter how much you exercise, as long as you're eating shit, your body will look like it too.
Then theres the gym. Oh that's right, "I DONT HAVE THE TIME!". Bullshit! If you can't find 4 hours a week to put into making yourself healthier than don't cry when you're 50-60 with health problems and have a hard time going up the stairs and have to take the elevator just to go from 2nd to 3rd floor.
Or is it that all people here are IT folks who work from 9/9 and weekends?
All this little device is going to do is build up muscles in your legs, and "500" calories an hour? Seriously? Just for moving your feet?
Being healthy isn't just about weight loss. I too have my doubts as to whether the "500 kcal/hr" figure is valid (a quarter of that would be more realistic), but this device is more for cardiovascular health than any kind of strength training. Sure, you're not getting much of an upper-body workout with the gizmo, but I'm sure your heart will thank you for the exercise just the same. Additionally, you'll probably see improvements in your LDL/HDL balance, lower triglyceride levels, and a whole slew of other benefits even if you don't lose a pound of weight.
OK, who else thought of this first?
:)
Medium cat is MEDIUM.
I completely agree with you when the weather is nice. But, running on summer days (90 deg F +, 80%+ humidity) or on winter days ( 10 deg F, no humidity) is a lot harder than running/swimming in a gym. I hate running indoors because of the cotton mouth that usually results, but it is better than not running at all. I do make sure that I don't make extra trips to go only to the gym.
Think global, act loco
After being featured on popular technology website Slashdot.org, Gamersize.com's web traffic increased significantly. With the thousands of extra "hits" owners of the company say they can attribute "ones" of extra orders for their under the desk exercise device directly to the Slashdot crowd.
If I went around claiming I was an emperor...they'd put me away!
Eff dot dee-ex if for a stair stepper, or torque dot dee-theta if you pedal it.
Think global, act loco
I bought a portable mini-cycle from Sharper Image awhile back ( http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__LI112 in case anyone's interested). I put it under my desk and began pedaling. The first problem was hitting my knees. So I moved back a bit and raised my desk up on two wood boards. This worked, but the force of pushing on the pedals kept pushing my wheeled chair back. I wasn't willing to give up the comfortable chair, so I just figured out how to push without pushing myself back. Now I don't use it every day, but when I'm deep in work and feel the need to move my legs around, I can pedal in place while coding. And considering that I didn't pay much for it (it was on sale and I also used a Discover Card cashback bonus to lower the price), it was worth it.
My sci-fi novel, Ghost Thief, is now available from Amazon.com.
If you only reduce calories without exercising and lifting weights, you're going to end up losing muscle, not fat, and slowing down your metabolism yet to boot. Muscle burns calories, even if you're sitting around the office, and it will make you burn more calories for every minute of exercise you do. Any realistic weight loss/maintenance program includes diet (you can't lose weight if you're eating more calories than you're burning), cardio (burn calories), and resistance training (maintain - not necessarily gain - muscle mass). (IMO, any diet that has a name is total BS. They were designed to make someones wallet bigger, not make you smaller.)
Where I live, milkshakes have 500 kilo calories. Thank you uneducation!
£99.90 seems a little high to me.
Make love, not reality television.
How To Use Video Games To Keep Fit The device in question is briefly mentioned towards the end of this amusing video.
First, the "but its healthy exercise" angle it would help potential customer overcome the social stigma of buying porn.
Second, there can be advertisements in which an attractive woman eyes up a fit-looking man and asks "How do you keep in shape?" to which he replies "I have a healthy sex life."
You'd better check that behavior. If you ever kicked a dent in my door while I was driving, I'd smear your silly bike into a big red slip without even a second thought, buddy, and I'd like it. "Some crazy guy was kicking my car, so I just bumped him off the road...."
People riding bikes are the most annoying things on the road. Gas taxes pay for roads, not bikers, so you have absolutely no right to be there!
This is my sig.
I think he is talking about testicles rather than fat.
No beer, no TV make Lifthrasir something something
Now I never got much training in this sort of thing, but as I understand it the recommended sitting position places the majority of your weight on your feet, not your seat. All good computer chairs are designed with the assumption that you do this. You cannot do stepping exercises in a computer chair, because putting your weight on your feet as you step would lift you out of your seat and/or push your chair back.
Also, the stepping-machine was always sold on a public misconception of exercise: hard work = good exercise. Stair-climbing wears you out quickly not because you use a lot of energy, but because it exercises such a small number of muscles. It's bad exercise, because it doesn't provide a balanced workout.
The best exercise I know of is still swimming. It exercises almost every single muscle in the body simultaneously. Because the work is spread out, you can keep going for much longer and burn far more calories than by doing anything else. You climb out of the pool feeling tired, but not dead like you would after a brief spell at the gym.
HAL.
Got them moderator blues I blieve I walk out the do', With these mod-points I been gettin', I 'most never post no mo'
Like basically every office chair in the world, my chair has rollers on its feet. How am I expected to use a stair-stepper while sitting in it?
If they want to "gamercize" it, why don't they put in some software where you can keep track of how many calories burned or some other scoring method, and allow people to upload their data? Gamers will do anything for points . . .
Don't forget, those 500kcal are only the direct amount of work you're performing.
Factor in the fact that your muscles are only approx. 40% energy efficient.
and that your metabolic level remains raised for a good few hours after intense exercise. Moreso if you undertake a regular exercise regimen.
And we're talking about a bit more than just the original 500kcal that went into the machine.
Tell me someone else here has seen Bananas by Woody Allen
http://imdb.com/title/tt0066808/
I never thought someone would actually try something that funny.
In order to ride a bike to work, you need to carry your work clothes in a separate bag.
This means added weight, more exertion, more sweat.
When you get to work, unless you lather yourself in deodorant, you WILL need a shower.
Not many business' have them, and unless there is a *significant* amount of their workforce requesting showers, they won't install them either.
So your choices are:
* Bike to work, lather in deodorant, & kill your coworkers with the smell
* Bike to work, don't shower or use deodorant, & kill your coworkers with the smell
* Don't bike to work
Not much of a choice, now is it? =J
Because if they live & got your license, you're guilty of Attempted Vehicular Manslaughter.
Not sure about where YOU live, but around here, dents in your door will be the LEAST of your worries.
Even better is if said biker is armed.
You may not live long enough to file a police report against.
Just something to think about.
=)
Then they'd not only see the bicyclist kicking your car, but the fact that you nearly ran him over in the first place.
If anything, him kicking at your car could be claimed as self defense.
You then *aiming* your vehicle at him *definitely* qualifies as Attempted Vehicular Manslaughter.
Either way, you're at fault. =/
*Not that it matters one iota if there are cameras on highways, since bicycles aren't allowed on them to begin with.
This entire discussion was about surface-streets where the only cameras are typically watching specific intersections. =)
Comment removed based on user account deletion
I already have something I can use to get a good cardiac workout while at the computer already. Fits under the desk while not in use too.