I was provided a DeskCycle free of charge. I did not receive additional compensation. As always, all opinions are my own.
Earlier this year I wrote about my standing desk experiment (click to read the post). To summarize, I was having some hip flexor pain and through process of elimination I came to the rough conclusion that the pain was a result of sitting…all. day. long. It also dawned on me that sitting for an extended period was not the best thing for my body and overall health (duh). Enter: standing desk.
Fast forward to this summer in NYC and I got more than my fair share of movement every day and wasn’t confined to a desk. However, when I came home at the beginning of August I became the laziest active person ever. I would run in the morning and then set up camp on the couch for the rest of the day. Obviously that type of lifestyle isn’t ideal and, while I do love my lazy days, I was very unproductive after a while.
In an effort to ease the transition back to a school-like environment where I try to minimize the couch studying, I jumped at the chance to try Desk Cycle. It seemed like a very happy medium because I didn’t have to go straight back to my standing desk and I was getting in some activity while still sitting. Full disclosure: I do have an exercise ball that I use as a desk seat but even then I tend to slouch and my productivity level wanes because, you know, bouncing.
What is Desk Cycle?
“The DeskCycle makes it easy to get safe and effective exercise while working at your desk. It’s the only bike that was specifically designed for this purpose.”
What are some features?
-Smooth and quiet pedal motion. You can barely hear it move.
-A range of resistance (on a scale of 1-8).
-Low profile. It fit perfectly under my desk and probably wouldn’t be visible under most office desks.
-Displays time, speed, distance and calories. I wouldn’t put too much trust on the calories part (like a lot of cardio machines).
-Click here for more information and specifications
My thoughts
After a week and a half of experimentation (I tried for a few days before classes started) here’s what I thought…
I’ll be honest, pedaling and working didn’t come natural to me. At first I was focusing on pedaling more so than on my homework, but I think I was just being too ambitious and set the resistance too high to start. Once I settled on about a 2 or 3/8 I got into a rhythm. I didn’t pedal fast or hard by any means but that’s not the purpose. It didn’t/won’t replace a workout for me (or probably most people) however, it DOES provide a sense of movement for my otherwise bent and sedentary legs. Keeping the blood flowing in my legs during the day was a welcomed change and I wasn’t as stiff as normal, no surprise.
So while it does take some conscious effort on my part, overall I don’t think it detracts from my productivity. In fact it makes me feel better about sitting so it might be more motivating to stay at my desk. Maybe? I’m not sure anything other than food can keep me sitting at a table for that long- ha!
I’ve always been intrigued by these desk cycle machines. I think it would be great just to keep the blood flowing throughout my legs since I often sit it one position so long that by the time I get up I am hurting. I love using a stand up desk, so I am sure this would also be something I would probably benefit from!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…{Friday Favorites} 8/28
I’m always so stiff after sitting for a while (understandably so). I feel like this could come in handy at a future job.
A few people that I work with have things like this at their work. I don’t think I would necessarily need to use it much since I’m pretty active outside of work. I do think that it’s a great thing to have if you’re a super busy person (new mom especially) and can’t get out to exercise. I really liked your review!
Exactly! I was thinking of people I know who work at a desk for 10+ hours a day. It would be a good way to keep blood flowing at least.
Bahahahahahaha! So I asked my mom if she wanted (it) me to accept the offer form the company to send us one and they did…but it’s still in the box :P
I prefer standing at my laptop. I don’t want to sit…even if my legs are “moving”.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 8/28/15
Give it a try! You can’t stand ALL day :)
Interesting concept… I don’t know if this would really be my jam. I’m lucky that my office has standing desks, and I have a Bosu ball in addition to my chair, so I am able to have some different movements every day. But I feel like I would get too competitive with my DeskCycle and just not work haha. Great and honest review! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!
Jamie recently posted…Fridaze
That’s great that your office has standing desks! I wanted to make a homemade version of one at my internship this summer (and last) but then I’d be towering over everyone at their cubicles. I couldn’t be that annoying girl as an intern ;)
What a cool concept! For productivity, it really, really helps me to be with a group of people who are all working productively and staying focused, too. And I’ve never thought about using a Bosu ball while I work, but this sounds like great idea.
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…The Start of Sophomore Year
I do like my exercise ball for sitting! I forget it’s actually a piece of workout equipment and not just a bouncy seat.
I’ve been intrigued by stuff like this, but I think standing alleviates my stiffness better than sitting + moving my legs. I’ve been known to take a textbook or my notes to read while walking reeeally slowly on the treadmill. I work best with a low hum of noise and/or very productive study partners!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #26
I sometimes study on the treadmill too. I have to make sure my notes are written large enough though or else I trip while trying to lean in and squint.