There’s no need to worry about the health risk of a sedentary life as you can now stay active at your desk job by pedaling underneath, and it’s actually recommended. A study conducted by at the University of Iowa has shown excellent results in concentration and productivity for employees who spiced up their work hours by exercising at the same time.
The study’s co-author, Lucas Carr, has gathered a relatively small number of 27 participants, but for the longest period of time yet, asking them to use a pedaling device under their desk for a period of 16 weeks. His purpose was to observe two aspects, one being the effects on the employees’ health and, the second, to ascertain how many of them would continue through for a longer period of time.
The results seem to suggest that the participants who pedaled more showed better numbers in productivity, reported a much stronger concentration on their task, fewer sick days and even weight loss. So, now, the possibility of drowning into the waters of a sedentary life appears to have found the proper life jacket.
The pedaling device should be small enough to be placed underneath the average desk and the employee is good to go, and pedal away for better health and improved fitness. The biggest advantage, beyond the fact that it’s comfortable and easy to use, it’s reportedly that its theirs alone, an individual workout device.
Previous studies have observed the activity of office employees by placing treadmills or other workout machines in shared spaces, but they have not proven too popular, perhaps due to a matter of privacy and scheduling conflicts. And, let’s face it, not all of us want to be panting and sweating at our office jobs with co-workers watching and likely waiting in line.
The small device placed beneath the desk is accommodating to the needs of employees by having just one little workout tool all to themselves, that they can use without the pressure of an audience, keeping their legs working while sitting down. It might not precisely equal to actual cycling marathons, or at least no one will be throwing bottles of water on your head and cheering, but it’s simple, comfortable and highly beneficial to your health.
A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to chronic diseases, weight gain, affected cognitive functions and even mental distress, and that’s beyond the usual back aches and stiffness for sitting still at your desk all day.
At the end of the study, 70% of the participants continued pedaling underneath their desk
Image source: pulseos.com
