Get more exercise at the office with a Deskbike

Table of contents

Put energy in, get energy back
A desk bike really gets you moving
Make it even more fun with the app(s)!
Go for that Deskbike

Cycle your way to fitness

The Netherlands is a cycling country. How surprised can you be that you've landed on a page where we talk about cycling behind your desk? Yes, we thought it was a bit strange at first, but you get used to it. Quite quickly, too.

Put energy in, get energy back

Fortunately, a healthy workplace is becoming increasingly commonplace. Significant investments are being made in workplaces and there are all kinds of initiatives to get people moving, such as the Ommetje app from the Hersenstichting (Brain Foundation).

This is not surprising when you consider that 30 minutes of exercise can already make a difference. Research shows that 30 minutes on the treadmill already results in a 10% improvement in problem-solving thinking. Fit people also appear to be better at performing cognitive tests. Their memory is much better, their psychomotor skills (brain-controlled movements) improve and they find it easier to perform all kinds of tasks. Your creativity also gets a boost when you are active and you experience less stress.

You probably already do a few of the things listed below to get more exercise during office hours. Check them off!

• Walking breaks – getting a drink, going to the toilet, asking a colleague a question
• Standing while working - Sit-stand desks are now standard furniture in many offices, which makes alternating between sitting and standing a lot easier. Once you are standing, you will also notice that you are more likely to move around, for example to fetch something or walk over to someone.
• Break software - Break software is ideal if you want to take breaks but simply forget to do so. Well-known programmes include Workrave and Work&Move.
• Exercises - You can find numerous exercises on the internet that are suitable for the workplace. These can include desk chair squats (great for burning those leg muscles) or a nice stretching exercise for the back.

A desk bike really gets you moving

Perhaps one of the best developments in the field of exercise at the office is the Deskbike. It's so simple: you do something that we Brits are very good at and skilled in, and you do it while you work. Want to know how easy it is for me to use my Deskbike?

As you can see, my desk bike is next to me against the wall, partially folded. Within a few seconds, I can unlock it, unfold it, secure it to my desk with the same locking pin, and start pedalling.

As I already mentioned, there are many health benefits to be gained from more exercise in the workplace. Specific research has been conducted on the Deskbike by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in which a number of things were tested. That research showed that participants achieved improved reaction times on the Stroop test while pedalling at 30% of their maximum wattage.

Make it even more fun with the app(s)!

The Deskbike app is a fun way to keep track of your cycling sessions at your desk. The app displays your speed (1), the number of minutes (2) you have been cycling, the distance (3) you have covered and it also estimates how many calories (4) you have burned. You can set a notification (5) so you never forget to use it. Handy! All your activities (6) are neatly recorded in the app and can be viewed later.

You can download the app for free from both the Apple and Google app stores. Please note: you need the Deskbike sensor to use the app.

In addition to the Deskbike app, you can also use the Deskbike in combination with third-party apps. Take, for example, the Kinomap app, which allows you to cycle through beautiful landscapes and challenge your friends in multi-player mode. The Bitgym app also takes you on various virtual routes. With the code on this flyer, you get 2 months of free use.