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Ask HN: Is anybody using a standing desk with a treadmill? Does it work?

7 points by weitzj 6y ago

fullstackwife 6y ago
I was concerned about work experience of my colleagues, because treadmill could be too loud, so instead of treadmill I'm using a standing board. It's not as good as treadmill, but it's much cheaper.
medialucky20 6y ago
I felt it is difficult to concentrate. I use treadmill only while watching TV or some documentaries.
troydavis 6y ago
I know two people who have done so. It “works” in the sense that you can indeed walk at about 1.5 MPH (a slow walk) while working. However, that’s only useful if you’re trying to lose weight and can’t do so another way. Such slow movement has no cardiovascular benefit, so it’s pointless if you’re not trying to lose weight. Just use a sit/stand desk (and ideally, take breaks for exercise).
iends 6y ago
I recently looked into them and was put off by the price. So I bought a Cubii, which is an under desk elliptical. I’m only a few days in but so far it’s been solid.
- ksaj 6y ago
  Funny enough, I've only ever seen these advertised at the gym I used to work out at (pre-Covid19), on the TVs people watch while riding the exercise bikes. They'd certainly be more effective than that spinny squirmy chair gizmo, although that one might be good for posture. I still think these things should be rigged up to charge cell phones and whatnot. Lots of unharnessed energy released in exercise.
  - gabrielsroka 6y ago
    > Lots of unharnessed energy released in exercise. Not as much as you might think. The human body is incredibly efficient. eg https://blog.directenergy.com/how-much-exercise-would-it-take-to-charge-your-phone/ https://blog.directenergy.com/how-much-exercise-would-it-tak...
    - ksaj 6y ago
      Ah, there are two ways to understand what I meant. I wasn't talking about human efficiency (which it does sound like I might have been), but about the unused mechanical energy. In most exercise machinery, there is an energy output that isn't being harnessed as much as it could be. Some stationary bikes and rowing machines use the person's pedaling or rowing to power the controls, so there is an example of where it is being used. But the majority of other pieces of equipment are not harnessing the energy output. For example, every one of the pulley machines could have a magnetic shield around a segment of the (metallic) cable, which would produce a current both on the pull and on the release from the person exercising, without adding any noticeable tension. Another example of where potentially harvestable energy isn't being used: although the chain on the rowing machine is often used to power the screen, the seat could also be used to generate electricity as it glides back and forth, using the same magnet concept.
enonevets 6y ago
I do. It’s been enjoyable. It beats being completely sedentary if you don’t have other activities or exercise as part of your routine. I generally do 30-60 mins of active walking a day, usually in between active tasks.

7 points by weitzj 6y ago

I was concerned about work experience of my colleagues, because treadmill could be too loud, so instead of treadmill I'm using a standing board. It's not as good as treadmill, but it's much cheaper.

medialucky20 6y ago

I felt it is difficult to concentrate. I use treadmill only while watching TV or some documentaries.

troydavis 6y ago

I know two people who have done so. It “works” in the sense that you can indeed walk at about 1.5 MPH (a slow walk) while working. However, that’s only useful if you’re trying to lose weight and can’t do so another way. Such slow movement has no cardiovascular benefit, so it’s pointless if you’re not trying to lose weight. Just use a sit/stand desk (and ideally, take breaks for exercise).

iends 6y ago

I recently looked into them and was put off by the price. So I bought a Cubii, which is an under desk elliptical. I’m only a few days in but so far it’s been solid.

ksaj 6y ago
Funny enough, I've only ever seen these advertised at the gym I used to work out at (pre-Covid19), on the TVs people watch while riding the exercise bikes. They'd certainly be more effective than that spinny squirmy chair gizmo, although that one might be good for posture. I still think these things should be rigged up to charge cell phones and whatnot. Lots of unharnessed energy released in exercise.
- gabrielsroka 6y ago
  > Lots of unharnessed energy released in exercise. Not as much as you might think. The human body is incredibly efficient. eg https://blog.directenergy.com/how-much-exercise-would-it-take-to-charge-your-phone/ https://blog.directenergy.com/how-much-exercise-would-it-tak...
  - ksaj 6y ago
    Ah, there are two ways to understand what I meant. I wasn't talking about human efficiency (which it does sound like I might have been), but about the unused mechanical energy. In most exercise machinery, there is an energy output that isn't being harnessed as much as it could be. Some stationary bikes and rowing machines use the person's pedaling or rowing to power the controls, so there is an example of where it is being used. But the majority of other pieces of equipment are not harnessing the energy output. For example, every one of the pulley machines could have a magnetic shield around a segment of the (metallic) cable, which would produce a current both on the pull and on the release from the person exercising, without adding any noticeable tension. Another example of where potentially harvestable energy isn't being used: although the chain on the rowing machine is often used to power the screen, the seat could also be used to generate electricity as it glides back and forth, using the same magnet concept.

enonevets 6y ago

I do. It’s been enjoyable. It beats being completely sedentary if you don’t have other activities or exercise as part of your routine. I generally do 30-60 mins of active walking a day, usually in between active tasks.