OK, as an update to my last post, I HAVE figured out how to retrofit my existing treadmill to hold my laptop! I have been working on it much of the afternoon, walking at 2 mph (the maximum safe speed for work-walking--hey, is that a new word??). This photo was taken right now while I am writing this! (click photo for a larger version- thank you to my son Reese for taking the photo for me)
I found this Treadmill Desk site that tells you how to build your own. I looked at some of the photos they had and someone had used a dining table leaf across the treadmill rails. So I said, why not? I had some extra shelves from a built-in entertainment center in our playroom, so I grabbed one of those. I put a towel underneath it for padding, as it does shake too much if you don't use something to cushion.
You need to make sure that your safety leash still operates properly with your desk in place, and do this at your own risk. Don't take my word for it, your mileage may vary, disclaimer disclaimer etc.
Today I have burned many calories more than I would have sitting at my desk with my tushie falling asleep! I have walked 3.2 miles in 98 minutes at this point. I guess if I am a true geek I should log this mileage in a spreadsheet and see how long it takes me to walk to LA and visit my friend John. Most importantly, I have done several important things on my to-do list, posted to Twitter a bunch of times, and had fun reading some blogs while I walked. Not bad for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I would like to engineer this a little better. Mine is an "attached" style and you can do a freestanding desk that would have less shaking. That would be better. I am doing great with typing, but I have had to slow down with my mousing. I would recommend if you know keyboard shortcuts that is extremely helpful, and if you need to do intricate mouse work, go back to your sitting desk.
Just a diversion for a moment on what I have been up to lately-- I finished my book and it's going to print! So I will be able to post more often again. I am coming out of my writing cave. I am traveling this week to work with a writer for a MAJOR magazine and get some photos taken of our work together for a spring 2009 issue. I can't wait to tell you all about it!
Now, if I can figure out how to POWER my laptop like a hamster wheel, that would be even better...
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Lorie, this is so cool! If your towel slides around too much, try that *sticky* shelf liner (like bartenders use) for extra grip. It might be good under your laptop too (to absorb the shock)
Brilliant!
Posted by: Geralin Thomas | November 30, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Dear Lorie:
This is a great idea! It's not the "speed" its the circulation, the burned calories, and the consistency that count.
Thanks for sharing...
Roger
Posted by: Roger C. Parker | November 30, 2008 at 07:13 PM
You are a true life-hacker! Awesome idea. Not sure it would be safe for me. I imagine the treadmills at the gym will come with online access someday.
Posted by: allison carter | November 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM
You are welcome to visit me in L.A. anytime, Lorie Marrero! Perhaps we can continue walking and see friends in Hawaii, New Zealand, Indonesia? Did your son also put the little "I am such a geek" bubble, too? That's new...
John aka OrganizingLA
Posted by: John Trosko | December 01, 2008 at 10:53 AM
oh geez thanks for showing me how to exercise and type, already hard enough to unplug before lol.
Posted by: scott | December 11, 2008 at 01:22 AM
How fun! I blogged about standing desks awhile ago, too. Such a cool idea! Perhaps it would help me train for my race in the summer? ;)
Posted by: Brandie, The Home Office Organizer | December 30, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Added bonus -- we think better when we move, according to John Medina's book Brain Rules. Steelcase makes a desk with built-in treadmill, made to go at the lower speed (2 mph) that works for work-walking; some treadmill motors may burn out at low speed. Love your d-i-y version!
Posted by: Margaret Lukens | May 27, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Another consideration might be a product like Dragon Naturally Speaking. It takes a little while to train it to your voice and way of speaking, but it would allow you a little more freedom of movement. You can use it with a wired headset (microphone/earphone) or with a bluetooth headset for maximum flexibility.
Posted by: Sandi Conrad | May 29, 2009 at 08:52 AM