Gift Guide for the Healthy Office Worker
So I’m sure you’ve heard it many times lately: sitting is the new smoking. Professionals who are desk-bound face a wide array of health challenges associated with just being sedentary. An average office worker spends 7 hours in the seated position!
Individuals that work from home often report working longer hours with fewer breaks, so those statistics may even be higher!
So what is an office worker to do?
The “Healthy Office”
Companies are finding new ways to keep their employees active, and there is no shortage of equipment and technology that is designed specifically to help increase daily activity at the office.
If you are looking for some creative gifts for the health-conscious office worker, I have outlined some of the most unique pieces of equipment and gadgets that you may want to add to your shopping list this year.
But brace yourself – some of these don’t come at a reasonable price tag!
Let’s explore some of them:
VARIDESK – Height-Adjustable Standing Desk – Pro Plus 36 – Black
The Varidesk Standing Desk: This product has been around for several years, and falls into the categories of “genius” and “versatile”. The Varidesk standing desk is a height-adjustable desk that you can raise to your unique height, or lower if you wish to sit at your desk. It is invaluable when it comes to getting you onto your feet throughout the workday! Prices start at around $175.00. The model shown sells for $395.00.
LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk
Life Span Treadmill Desk: This is something I own personally, and purchased this desk to help alleviate my back pain. I was sitting at my desk for upwards of 10+ hours a day, and I was paying for it! This desk at pricey – the desk pictured sells for $1499.99, but it paid for itself in the first year, with reduced doctor and chiropractor visits. It has been a life changer for me. If you want to hear a detailed account, check out my article here: My Year With A Treadmill Desk.
Lumo Lift Posture Coach: This is another device that an office worker can use – every. single. day. The posture coach device is very small, with a magnetic element that fastens itself to your shirt, sweater, jacket, etc. It syncs to an app on your phone and will alert you when you start to slouch (you create your own posture benchmark initially). When you lean forward, it will vibrate to let you know to sit or stand up straight. You can adjust the alerts to your own preferences, and frequency of reminders. This nifty item will set you back around $79.99, which makes it one of the more affordable items on the list.
The LuxFit Ball Chair: This chair doesn’t completely eliminate the fact that you are seated at your desk, but the fact that you are sitting on a ball and engaging your core muscles makes it a little more acceptable. Balancing yourself does take some getting used to, so work your way up to sitting on this bad boy all day! You WILL feel the difference. The LuxFit chair is priced at $79.99.
Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker, Silver/Black, Small (US Version)
The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker: The Fitbit has become a household name over the last several years. If you have been living under a rock, I will give you a brief explanation: this is a wearable device that can track everything from the steps you take in a day, to calories burned, to how well you sleep (and how many hours are dedicated to each type of sleep). The Alta ranges in price from $103.00 to $149.00 on Amazon, though Fitbits themselves can cost significantly more, depending on the model.
Stand Steady Active Motion Stool: If you don’t want to spend your day standing, or sitting on a ball, there is a happy medium – the motion stool. This will force you to remain in a half-seated position, but still engage the core muscles that are necessary for stability and back health. The Stand Steady is priced at $199.99
Do you own one of these gadgets or pieces of equipment? What do you like about it? I would love to hear from you!
by Natalie Lemons
Natalie Lemons is the President of the Resilience Group, LLC, and the author of The Resilient Recruiter. Please follow her blog for more articles like this, plus helpful free downloads for recruiters, HR professionals, or business owners. Resilient Recruiter is an Amazon Associate.
I don’t know if I could do the treadmill desk, it would be hard for me to type and walk at the same time without falling and hurting myself. I can do a standing desk though. Great list of gifts!
#ProductReviewParty
It definitely took some getting used to – and I started VERY slowly. I am not the most coordinated, so I still pause it when I have to really concentrate.
Thanks for the comment 🙂
Some of these look pretty cool, but I can’t see myself with a treadmill desk…lol….all that bouncing from walking would make it hard to type. I’m one of those who has a home office, and you’re right, in situations like that, you probably sit even longer. Sitting too long is def a no-no. Good post though! Thanks for sharing!
It took some getting used to, but I walk very slow! When I really need to concentrate, I pause the treadmill and just stand. Trust me – if I can do it, anyone can!
For some reson there is nothing showing in the linkup after the blue add link button. Going to the Blog, and clicking on leave comment still doesn’t show your related posts, footer or comment are. I have followed you on FB, added your party to my Pinterest Board and my Party Directory. The link to the directory is below my post. Happy Thanksgiving!
Marilyn,
THANK YOU so much! I updated my theme on Tuesday, and have been having all sorts of glitches like that ever since! You are right – there should be a contact form, related content and comments below! Looks like I’ll be on with tech support this weekend :(.
Thank you for adding my party to the directory. I’m hoping it really starts building up.
I appreciate your help and alerting me about the page. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving as well!
That stool is certainly interesting though it seems pretty pricey for what it is. I am going to wait for a sale on it and then decide if I want to buy it.
I have the standing desk and the treadmill desk (physical office and home office). I found that the only thing that alleviated my back pain was actually standing. Of course they are the pricier options. I like the idea of being able to rotate on the stool, but you’re right – it’s pricey!