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 yourself fit
The Netherlands is a cycling country. How surprised can you be by the fact that you've landed on a page where we're talking about cycling behind a desk? Yes, we also 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 self-evident. There is significant investment in workplaces and various initiatives to encourage movement, such as the Ommetje app from the Brain Foundation.
It's not surprising, considering that 30 minutes of exercise can already do a lot. For example, research shows that 30 minutes on the treadmill already leads to a 10% improvement in problem-solving thinking. Fit people also appear to be better able to perform cognitive tests. Memory is much better, psychomotor skills (movements controlled by the brain) show improvement, and fit people find it easier to perform various tasks. Your creativity also appears to get a boost when you're active, and you experience less stress.
You probably already do a few things from the list below to get more movement into your day during office hours. Are you ticking along?
- Walking breaks - getting drinks, toilet visits, asking a colleague a question
- Standing work - Sit-stand desks are now standard furniture in many offices, making alternating between sitting and standing much easier. Once you're standing, you also notice that you're quicker to move, for example, to grab something or walk over to someone.
- Break software - Break software is very suitable if you want to schedule breaks but simply forget them. Well-known programmes include Workrave or Work&Move
- Exercises - You can find numerous exercises online that are suitable for work. This could be a desk chair squat (nice, burning legs) or a good stretching exercise for the back.
A desk bike really gets you moving
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments in office movement is the Deskbike. How simple it is: you do something that we Dutch people are incredibly good and skilled at, and you do it while working. Want to know how easily I grab my Deskbike?
As you can see, my desk bike stands next to me against the wall, partly folded. Within a few seconds, by releasing a locking pin, unfolding it, and securing it with the same locking pin, I have it set up against my desk and can start pedalling.
As I already wrote, there are many health benefits to be gained from more movement in the workplace. A specific study on the Deskbike was conducted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in which several aspects were tested. That study showed that participants achieved an improved reaction time 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 great for tracking your cycling sessions behind the desk. The app displays your speed (1), the number of minutes (2) you've been cycling, the distance (3) you've covered, and it also estimates how many calories (4) you've 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 reviewed.
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 dedicated Deskbike app, you can also use the Deskbike in combination with third-party apps. For example, consider 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 through various virtual routes.