Shine OnMove at work with the Hamster Wheel Standing Desk
Worried that sitting at your desk is killing you?
Maybe the Hamster Wheel Standing Desk is just what you need.
It’s cheaper than a treadmill desk — you can make it yourself! — and it’s a step up from a standing work station.
“Rise up, sedentary sentients, and unleash that untapped potential within by marching endlessly towards a brilliant future of focused work. Step forward into a world of infinite potential, bounded only by the smooth arcs of a wheel. Step forward into the Hamster Wheel Standing Desk that will usher in a new era of unprecedented productivity,” writes one of its creators, artist Robb Godshaw, at Instructables.
A collaboration between Godshaw and Instructables developer Will Doenlen, the Hamster Wheel Standing Desk was built from four sheets of 3/4” plywood, four skate wheels, two pipes, 240 wood screws and a pint of glue.
Already own a standing desk? Perfect. This is built to fit around one.
"We already had a standing desk that fits through the wheel, so it was just a matter of avoiding interference and leaving enough room for a human," Godshaw explains.
The Hamster Wheel is brake-free, so speed up at your own risk.
Learn how to build your own at Instructables.
Sure, the Hamster Wheel Standing Desk might be a bit of a tongue-in-cheek response to the current push toward desk-based exercise, but it is speaking to real health concerns.
By now, we all know that sitting for prolonged periods of time is unhealthy — and even “more dangerous than smoking.” At the same time, most people can’t just quit their desk jobs. So, what’s an office worker to do?
Studies have shown that an hour at the gym after work isn’t going to counteract the negative effects of sitting all day, so a gym membership isn’t the answer.
And swapping prolonged sitting for prolonged standing has its own set of risks.
According to a new study out of Indiana University, taking a moderate-paced five-minute walk every hour can prevent the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
"American adults sit for approximately eight hours a day," writes Saurabh Thosar, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon Health & Science University who lead the study. “The impairment in endothelial function is significant after just one hour of sitting. It is interesting to see that light physical activity can help in preventing this impairment.”
The study “Effect of Prolonged Sitting and Breaks in Sitting Time on Endothelial Function” will soon be published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Intentionally take a short stretch-and-walk break every 30 to 60 minutes — and find excuses to sit less.
Precision Nutrition recommends intentionally going on errands throughout the day — maybe use a washroom on another floor just to make yourself take the stairs? — brainstorming on your feet, and taking regular movement breaks during the day.
Instead of emailing a coworker, walk across the office and visit them at their desk.
Embrace the walk-and-talk meeting.
Live nearby? Walk or bike to work. If you drive to work, park at the far end of the parking lot. If you take the bus, get off a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way.
If you work from home, consider setting a timer for every 30 minutes to remind you to stretch, do a few squats or lift some light weights or a kettle bell that you can keep by your work station.
Do you have a desk job? What tricks do you use to keep moving?
