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19
Exercise while you work
UK businesses are being encouraged to follow the example
of Google, Microsoft, Nike and TheWhite House and install
‘active workstations’ that enable staff to exercise while
they work.
Newly launched in the UK, active workstations from US
manufacturer LifeSpanWorkplace Solutions (WPS) feature a
treadmill and integrated workstation so that users can type
and walk at the same time.
WPS argues that routine tasks such as managing email,
reading and making phone calls can easily be accomplished on
one’s feet and that by walking while they do them employees
can counter the ill effects of today’s sedentary working
conditions.
The Mayo Clinic has calculated that the average worker
today burns 23,000 fewer calories annually through work-
related activity than in 1960.
The LifeSpan range includes exercise systems like the best-
selling TR1200 Treadmill Desk, available with manual or electronic
height adjustment, as well as the desks they connect to.
All LifeSpan active workstations are Bluetooth-enabled and
sync wirelessly with a computer. An accompanying app tracks
steps taken, time and distance travelled and calories burned.
innovations
Smart technology for business people in the
office, at home or on the move
Palm support
The ergonomic RollerMouse Red is now available in a
choice of versions: the standard RollerMouse Red and the
Rollermouse Red plus. The former consists of a keyboard and
short palm rest and is suitable for people with smaller
hands/arms or little desk space, as it can be placed
closer to the front of the desk. The latter has an
extended palm support and might suit people
who like more space in which to rest their
wrists when using the roller bar or relaxing.
The RollerMouse uses a textured roller
bar instead of a handheld mouse for
cursor control and navigation.
Anyone
for table tennis?
If walking is not your thing (see story
far left), what about table tennis?
Office Fitness has just expanded its
range of workplace activity products
with meeting tables that can also be
used for table tennis and ping pong.
The Table Tennis Meeting Table will
appeal to the 43% of office workers
surveyed by the British Council of
Offices who said they preferred a non-
traditional office environment. But it is
more than just a fun, quirky product.
Office Fitness Director Paul Matthews
says that the multi-functional table is a
good way to increase physical activity
in the workplace and that a five-minute
table tennis session will give players a
mental charge lasting for an hour or more.
The tables have a durable laminate
finish, complete with court markings, and
come in a range of sizes. They are supplied
with a net, sponge bats and balls.
Copper-bottomed
hygiene
IT suites in Finland’s Jorvi Hospital
have been outfitted with antimicrobial
copper equipment to reduce the risk
of infections spreading via frequently-
touched surfaces.
Desks and keyboards used by doctors
and nurses on an emergency ward have
been replaced with products made from
copper and copper-alloy due to the
metal’s inherent ability to kill bacteria
and viruses.
The hospital has also replaced toilet
and shower grab rails, door handles and
toilet seats in a cardiology ward bathroom
with antimicrobial copper alternatives.
Lean and go
Honda has developed an enhanced version of its
UNI-CUB personal mobility device introduced in
May 2012 to make it easier for individuals to move
around large buildings and campuses. The combination
of balance control technology and an omni-directional
driving wheel system enables riders to travel in any
direction simply by shifting their body weight and
leaning in the direction they want to go. The new,
improved UNI-CUB is smaller and lighter than
its predecessor and has a lower seating position.
Honda is making the devices available to
businesses in Japan through a fee-based
leasing program.
Support for tired feet
Put your feet up and get to work with the TriRite
Footrest from Posturite. Designed and built in the
UK, it has three angle adjustments and endless
footplate movement to encourage circulation and
provide support to aching or tired legs and feet.
Adjustments can be made with one’s feet. The
TriRite costs £39.95.
0845 345 0010
