I’m seeing quite a few stories about people who have hooked up computers to their treadmills in order to create a “Treadputer.” This of course would allow you to get some work done while getting a bit of exercise too. I’m not sure how much of a vigorous cardio workout you could get while answering e-mail, but if your main goal is just to burn a few extra calories during the day and keep the blood moving, this might do it.
This reminds me a bit of the Geek-a-Cycle from last week. I think I’d like that more since you’re sitting down, and your arms wouldn’t be moving around as much. But, hey, anything that gets you moving instead of just sitting sedentary at the computer all day is okay in my book.
via OperationGadget
Here’s a piece of exercise equipment that’s as much about working out your brain and your reflexes as your body. You stand in the middle and have to hit flashing targets on the three towers, when a bell sounds. According to a recent article in Business Week, even professional football teams (such as the Denver Nuggets) are using the device. I found pictures on the web of boxers and martial arts students using it, both to get a workout and to hone reflexes. You could aim at the targets with feet (kicks) as well as hands. One of the martial artists was using it with weapons, which would require further skill to precisely strike the target with the tip of a staff weapon or bamboo sword. And of course, much like the Game Bike, it can be used by the Average Joe to get children and couch potatoes up and doing some exercise.
The price for the Makoto Arena? About $8,000, which for now probably makes it more of a tool for companies than individuals (one of the sites I visited suggested setting up a bit like an arcade game and charging per game).
Tired of staring at the wall while you do your cardio on your home stationary bicycle? Even watching TV isn’t usually that exciting (when the commercials come on, you’re trapped, because you have to finish your 20 minutes of cycling…). If you’re getting bored with your bicycle workout, how about trying a GameBike?
These stationary bicycles (currently there are two upright models, and a recumbent bike with a steering wheel instead of handlebars) have integrated game controllers and hook up to your PlayStation or PS2 (an optional adapter kit can let you play games on your PC, Xbox, or GameCube). Perhaps not surprisingly, the GameBike works best with racing and driving games. That can mean you’re “driving” anything from a car to an ATV to a skateboard, bike, jet ski, or even snowboard. It sounds a lot more fun than trying to read a magazine or space out while you’re getting your cardio in.
Currently, the price for the basic GameBike is $350.
Okay, I totally invented this five years ago when I used to pull my recumbent stationary bicycle up to my computer during long Everquest sessions (it’s hard to take a break to hit the gym when you’re guild is on a ten-hour dungeon crawl…), but alas, I didn’t turn it into any kind of all-in-one system and sell it. My bad. Well, the entrepreneurial folks at Slim Geek succeeded where I failed, and you can buy this Geek-a-Cycle from them for $350. If you’ve already got the recumbent bike cowering under clothes in the basement, you can get just the desk for $200. On the flip side, just the bike is $150, if you’ve got a desk you can retrofit.
Anyway, this is one piece of fitness equipment that’s a must for gamer geeks and anyone else who sits at the computer for hours on end.
After a perusal of my fitness-y categories in the sidebar, I was somewhat at a loss for where to list these jumping stilts. I’m going to go ahead and call them exercise equipment until I get around to adding the category called “Fitness Gadgets That Are Most Likely to End You up in the Hospital.” That’s just a bit unwieldy. But anyway, the Powerisers Jumping Stilts let you jump 6 feet in the air or bounce along the ground at speeds of over 20 miles an hour. I hope a helmet is included. I imagine quite a bit of practicing is required before you get it just right (AKA move forward without killing yourself). The funky leg gear is available for about $250 from the UK company Gizoo: Gadgets, Gifts, and Gizmos.
via PopGadget
If you grow tired of the same monotonous circular pedaling motions on your bicycle, you might want to shake things up with the Stepster. Instead of sitting, you actually stand to get your exercise, stepping up and down as if you’re marching in place. According to the company that makes it (Inventist, Inc.), it’s a cross between a scooter and a Stairmaster, and the leg muscles targeted are the same ones used for walking. There are no gears you need to fiddle with; you can change speed or adjust for going uphill simply by moving your foot position on the platforms.
Looks kind of fun actually. This is one fitness gadget I wouldn’t mind putting to use.
It’s a little early for snow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start training for this year’s ski season. The “Pro Fitter” is a device that lets you slide back and forth to work on muscle endurance, cardio, and balance. Whether you’re into downhill or slalom, it can give you a work out. It looks like you can actually do a number of non-ski-related exercises on the Pro Fitter (though it can be argued that anything that helps build core strength will help you on the slopes), such as leg extensions and kickbacks, ab crunches, and various arm exercises. (And, of course, this is all stuff that can be done in front of the television if you wish.)
The device is available over the web for just over $500: Pro Fitter