we now have a recumbent bike -- wait for it.... in. our. family. room. (please don't have a heart attack, Mom!) My physical therapist had said that this would be the best exercise for my knees, and since they've been really hurting after walking on the treadmill, we used some of our economic stimulus $$ to buy this.
We don't really have a good place to put it (Marc doesn't want to turn the downstairs into an exercise room because he's been harboring hopes for a long time of turning it into an entertainment room), so for now anyway it's right in our living space. Marc's also thinking that this arrangement might be good because we could get in some N.E.A.T. (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) while watching TV.
**We read an article not too long ago about N.E.A.T. Basically, the theory is that any extra movement you can get in your day is beneficial, and that modern appliances, conveniences, drive-throughs, etc. have reduced our N.E.A.T. as a society and may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. The doctor who wrote the article doesn't have any chairs in his office. He walks a slow pace on the treadmill while talking on the phone, conducts meetings while walking around the building or outside, etc. The idea is that you don't have to get hot and sweaty to get the benefits of moving more, and that we should look for ways to incorporate more movement of all kinds into our daily life.**
This is all great in theory, however -- whenever I walk into the family room, I feel as if I'm borrowing someone else's house or someone else's life. I never thought I'd see the day.
12 comments:
i have been telling the powers-that-be here at the hotel that it would be really beneficial for me to have a treadmill-desk. so far, no one has jumped at the chance to buy me one!
Just for the record, my aesthetic sensibilities are offended by the bike as well, but then I see the kids on it and it's so cute and I think "hmm...maybe our kids will be healthier for it." But still, I'd say (to use the "borrowed" theme) that the bike is definitely living on borrowed time in its current location.
Michelle, Marc's comment made me smile. My "aesthetic sensibilities" are offended by the exercise bike in our recently redecorated living room, too, but we use it there. Hmmmm. It's a conondrum.
I saw an article about that guy too! I thought he was a bit crazy but he is onto something- most of us do need to increase our activity, but I don't know about putting my computer on a treadmill. So funny. Good luck with your NEAT goals!
Interesting theory. Maybe if I put a treadmill at our computer desk, instead of a chair, my kids will actually get some exercise!
I never would have guessed this- ever! But, I think it is cool that you are doing it and that your kids can see this huge symbol of health and fitness and of you taking care of yourself etc. Curious to see where it's final home will be.
I'm still wigging out about the bike being in the living (and the weight bench being in the bedroom!). What happened to the Oliviers I know and love? Their decorating sensibilities (and dare I say snobbery) would never allow such things to take resident in their abode. Hmmm. Maybe times are changing and I'll have to change with them, but I'm still freaked out.
I winced when I saw your bike. Because that's what I've been doing a whole lot of lately. I keep thinking that if I do it enough, I'll some day come to enjoy exercise without having to drag my feet to get going on it every day.
I'm a bit freaked out as well, but also thinking that maybe it will get used--which is good! If anyone could think of a way to make it cute, your mom could. Perhaps spraypaint and distressing? . . . maybe not.
oh your husband sounds just like mine...I finished my gym membership...snif...and I went to the garage and brought my eleptical upstairs again, in the middle of the kitchen family room....I need to use it, but it definately is in a borrowed time...well, until he buys me the bigger house, how is that!
I guess I'm WAY freaked out, thankyou Denise, and Jill! I'm not sure I see the new pillows, draperies and hopeful chair working into the new look......
Freaky, freaky, freaky, way freaky, FREAKEY!!!
I have my elliptical in the family room too... I hate it but it the only chance of it getting any use... luckily the room is big and it resides behind the couch.
I really need a treadmill desk... I spend a lot of time in my chair.
Post a Comment