The “Treadputer” commercialized

Details recently launched a “walkstation” which is essentially a computer workstation positioned above a treadmill (pdf brochure). I first saw and coveted this idea back in March of 2006 on Brad Feld’s post about his magnificent “Treadputer.” I still think Brad’s set up is better if you are interested in rigorous training.

The walkstation is designed for the otherwise sedentary population. Unlike conventional treadmills the walkstation has a maximum speed of about 2 miles per hour and is designed to minimize vibration and disruption to work. I think the idea is that people forget that they are not sitting. I suspect that the slow pace is better than simply standing. The science behind this design was the study that showed the people that fidget burn far more calories per day than those that are more sedentary. The walkstation creates the opportunity for us all to fidget and is part of the Mayo Clinic’s prototype office of the future.

The global trend toward obesity is simply staggering. In 2005, more than 1.6 billion people world wide were either overweight or obese, with 2.4 billion predicted by 2015. The health care costs related to obesity are skyrocketing. Even back in 2002, the medical costs associated with obesity related illness, dwarfed those of heavy smokers and heavy drinkers. Some are proposing we initiate a campaign to stamp out obesity much like we have irradicated most smoking. Something about how we live and how we eat must change to halt and reverse this global trend. Perhaps the walkstation or other workplace innovations can help.

2 Comments on “The “Treadputer” commercialized

  1. Hi! I came over from NaBloPoMo. I’m challenging myself to comment on as many blogs as possible this month.
    I love the idea of having mobile workspaces! I’ve been meaning to get a mini stationary bike pedal set for under my desk. It’s been really strange sitting down all day to work when I’m used to moving around.
    Happy Posting!

  2. Again Zee gets here before me! 😉
    There’s an Aussie blog called Renovate your life with Craig and he has a unique perspective on the whole weight thing. He put together the computer junkies workout which I am doing daily now. 😉
    I would love a walk station – complete with headset and voice to text software.
    I’m just dropping by from the NaBloPoMo blogroll. As if posting 30 posts a month wasn’t enough, I’m trying to comment on as many blogs as I can as well. We have a group on NaBloPoMo as well.
    NaBloPoMo Commenting Challenge Group
    Cheers!
    Snoskred
    http://www.snoskred.org