Kiddo #2 and I were chatting over lunch at Gordon Biersch when somehow we landed on the subject of desk treadmills. I don't remember how we landed on that subject, but it was Kiddo that brought it up. I know this because my head did the RCA Dog pose with a "what's that you said?" Treadmill desk??
It turns out that there are desks built around treadmills so people can workout and work. Seriously? Two tortures simultaneously. Miserable multitasking. Now don't get me wrong. I spend a lot of time on treadmills. I own one and thought the $2000.00 price tag was a small price to pay for years of cardiac health but never did I imagine that I would want to actually be productive...in a "real" work kind of way... while walking on it. Frankly, I can't read a book while I am on it and stay focused. I know a lot of others can, but the best I can do is watch TV or listen to music. Oh, and sweat...I can do that fairly well.
Now it turns out there are hundreds of models of desks designed around treadmills. AND the other thing, I discovered besides the numerous choices available is that these are EXPENSIVE. Even the most basic models are pricey.
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| Basic no-frills kind of desk |
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| cubicle land version |
I find this fact shocking. EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BUYER. In fact, there are probably a crap-load of buyers for most products and being needed, or valuable, or even being logical doesn't seem to matter. How else can you explain infomercials for such nuggets as Chia Pets, Flowbee and any brand of epilator? While I don't tend to hang out on channels selling products that dice, slice, cook-in-minutes, shave-off-pounds, make-me-younger, lift my butt and enlarge my boobs, I have, on a few occasions, sent in my
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| Flowbee cuts and vacuums |
(NOTE: As far as epilators...that chick on the infomercial is a liar. The product that supposedly removes hair from your legs painlessly, should be used on insurgents in place of water boarding. They would confess everything they know in less than 3 minutes.)
Thought Number Two: Why do we buy the stuff we do?
I know that a lot of specific brands of products sell, in part because they becomes a trend. It's more about the "must have" hype than the cutting edge technology, abilities, or appearance. That could be said of certain brands of clothing, shoes, cars or any number of popular products. BUT does the fact that a product sells to the masses, make it a product that the masses need???
But then again, maybe there is one lone product that absolutely no one would need...ever.
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38 comments:
I would have completely gone on with my life not knowing of these combo workout-workdesk products. Years back in cubical land there was a young lady who set her computer up so that she could stand while using it. My solution to sitting too long was to take a walk around and bother people. You do need to look busy while making the rounds and those candy dishes at the various desks I visited didn't help the fitness routine part. In general there are too many people wasting money on stuff. I've done it too.
Yeah, virtually all of those miracle TV commercial items are crap. Except for the Snuggy. It is actually useful when you're feeling a little chilly watching TV but don't want to turn up the thermostat.
Oh, Lisleman...you mean to tell me that you don't want one of your very own??? Hahah...me either.
Way back when, I used to work in an office, I would also, roam around from time to time. Most of my jobs were so boring that I could of taken a nap. Candy dishes were a problem where I worked too.
What I am sure of, is that I don't have the stamina to work and jog/walk on a treadmill. Nor do I want to.
I have heard from a number of people that they like Snuggies. Those actually make sense but some of the other stuff...total garbage.
I think that hoodie would give me a terrible case of tunnel vision. No thanks.
So you don't think you are their target audience, heh? I saw that and assumed the guy is watching porn and doesn't want anyone else to see it.
I could be wrong....either way, I think anyone who sees a person using this will lose all respect for that individual.
Um. First one is unbelievable, second is just SCARY. What is that, office jihad?
Really? A desk treadmill? Isn't sitting at a desk torture enough?
I've bought a couple gadgets from infomercials - Spanks, knives, kitchen crap etc... - This week on HSN (Thursday) Wofbernz' neice will be selling Mai Couture... please go buy ;)
But seriously... what is that thing that no one will ever buy? To keep you eyes on the computer or to keep the glare off? Weird and I'm not buying it.
Clicks!
--Trina
Hi Cheryl,
I can't think of how I would ever get any work done while using a treadmill. I can hardly walk and chew gum let alone work and not be catapulted across the room. You are right, for every product there's someone out there that'll buy it LOL
Great Thoughts!
Wolf
PS Trina and I wrote our posts this morning early and walked out the door to work without comments that our posts were up! Oops!
What the hell who would want to wak on a treadmill while tying to work............I can tell you that I wouldn't.................also I agree with your thoughts on epilators and yeah use one on a persons private/tender parts they would spill everything in a heartbeat...........lol
What a surprise to see that you started out talking about Gordon Biersh, too.
I have never been able to read or work on any sort of exercise equipment. I sweat too profusely for one. But I do NEED to listen to music. As far as why we buy products, I once took an executive marketing class and was fascinated to learn about the different buying sectors, like those who are more likely to buy if you raise the price or those who just want to be first. But, as far as your last item goes, I'd guess you'd arrested instantly for using it in any airport. And why would it have to cover your head and/or upper body, I think we should name it the Geek Burka.
I don't know where it is but I am pretty sure I wouldn't want to work there. If I get that desperate I will resort to....ummm...bet you can guess.
I, too have bought some things off of infomercials. Some of it was just junk but some of it was OK. I still have some knives I bought years ago.
I will check out the Mai Couture. I do appreciate when people are entrepreneurial.
I am assuming that the stupid looking tunnel thing is to keep the glare down but it's so weird that who would use it? Makes the person look like a serial pornographer....well...if serial pornographers sit out in public.
I am totally like you, Wolf. There is no way that I could get anything done while on a treadmill. My coordination doesn't extend to multitasking on exercise equipment.
Crazy idea to try to exercise and work at the same time. OH YEAH!!! Using an epilator on more tender parts...that would break a person in a hurry.
Same here...no reading or working on exercise equipment. I do enjoy listening to music as well. Often I time my reps on weight equipment by lengths of songs.
I have taken a lot of marketing classes as well and usually find them pretty interesting....which is saying something as most of the ones I attend have a room full of other Realtors. I like those that aren't geared toward real estate much better. I do find it interesting what triggers people to buy what they buy...whether it is the fear that there is a limited supply or that they are getting a screaming deal...it is still hard to rationalize why people buy some of the junk they do.
Geek Burka would be a great name for that product. I am suspicious as to what the guy is watching on his computer.
I hadn't thought of that, Robyn. God forbid that the person on the other end misinterpret my heavy breathing. I don't need more confusion in my life.
Funny that you mentioned about calling 911. You might remember that I walk every morning in Kansas City via Bluetooth with a friend in Dallas, TX. We have each others direct police number on auto dial on our phones. Both of us have been hit by cars in the 14 years we have been walking. Luckily, we have never been really hurt but ya never know.
Cheryl, I am so glad I read this. My daughter told me she was going to ask her employer for a treadmill for her desk. She was complaining about sitting on her arse all day long working. I thought she had been smoking crack (not really) or at least under a flight of fancy. There really are such things! Wow!
I would like to say, "How about NO!" to the desk treadmills. WTF?
Also, I am super guilty of buying products from infomercials. Like my beloved pajama jeans. But they're so awesome it doesn't really count. Yes?
Yes, there are such things. Way to go for your daughter. I can't imagine wanting to work out at work. I, too would be sniffing her breath for signs of alcohol. (just kidding)
Same here about the treadmills...no just NO.
Every once in awhile there is the miracle product on an infomercial. I loved the Xpress Reddy-set-go cooker. Seriously makes the cutest little omelets
Nice!! I also bough the perfect brownie pan and that thing kicks ass!
OMG OMG OMG I HAVE AN EPILADY!
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Have you ever used it??? More than once??? Are you horribly and tragically scarred for life??? What can I do to help???
I don't remember what brand was on the infomercial but it yanked the hair off my legs with such viciousness, that one would swear that perhaps my hair follicles had insulted a member of epil-but no lady's family.
Speaking of infomercials...didn't you have a run in with the No NO epilator thingy???
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If I'm running on a treadmill, I don't understand how my hands are going to be steady enough to type and operate a mouse. I already thought it was crazy enough that they have desk cycles. You know, foot pedals that you can pedal beneath your desk while you work. And that's only like $40!
Yes!! The NO NO is more like a mid-evil device and it does NOT remove your hair. Only layers of flesh!
There is NO way I could use a treadmill while doing ANYTHING else. If I am doing my aerobics while watching TV, I suddenly realise that I have been standing.... still.... and watching for goodness knows how long. Only music goes with my exercising.
Imagine everyone wearing those weird head garments while using their phones and iPads. What a sight!
I actually heard a story on this on the radio yesterday. Part of me thought it was a good idea. Another part of me thought I should just get outside, per usual, and take my walk. I love your question about what we buy. I'm in the process of moving and have packed 180 boxes so far and am not quite done.
I've heard tell of such a thing. Lucky for me I am the master of my own domain and no such thing will ever darken my door. If I want to torture myself I know where to go where I can suffer en mass with others-the gym.
I thought I'd seen everything when they came out with the Eggie but this has taken ridiculous to a whole new level! And btw, miserable multitasking is just brilliant! Made me laugh out loud for real :-)
I agree, I have tried a few times to read a magazine while on a treadmill and keep losing my place. I don't get how anyone can stay steady enough to read, write, or anything else that requires concentration.
When I looked up the treadmill desks are are "real" desks built around exercycles as well. They are not the $40 type more like the $1200 type.
I am not that motivated to work AND workout at the same time.
Music works for me but I can also watch TV if I am on a treadmill or elliptical. I need to pay attention if I am doing anything with reps involved. Who can count if there are distractions???
Those hoodies are just weird...crazy weird.
Hi Kelly!!! I know what you mean...when you are moving it seems like there is this huge amount of "stuff" and where did it all come from. I don't remember the number of boxes but when we moved to Nebraska some years ago...before our Texas move or our current Kansas move, my husband's boss sent us a copy of our bill (that the company paid, thank god). He had circled the 23,000 pounds of weight on the moving van and had written in large letters next to it. DON'T YOU PEOPLE BELIEVE IN GARAGE SALES?
Back then I had both kids at home and we moved two pianos. I don't have that much any more but still a lot of stuff.
BTW..good luck on your move. I hope this is happy event for you.
I prefer the gym anyway. If I have to drive there, I am committed to work out for awhile. I do walk outside in the morning or extreme cases of being snowed in I get on my treadmill but...again..I agree that the gym is by far and away the place to use machines.
I had to stop and Google Eggies. I guess I missed the importance of having a device to save me from the horrific job of peeling a hard boiled egg.
I am glad you found humor in it. It turns out that not only can some people work out at work but they do it in heels. I think people that can do that should get a raise.
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