<p>So, like the rest of us on CC, I used to be quite thin, until middle age set in. Many people would probably still look at me and think I am relatively thin, but they need to schedule an appointment with an ophthamologist. Last year I saw a story about an office with computers hooked up to treadmills. You work while you walk. I have been intrigued with this idea, so yesterday I finally went to Home Depot and bought a 3 foot long, 12 inch wide shelf. It lays perfectly flat across the “arms” of my treadmill, and my laptop fits perfectly on the shelf. Somewhere I read that you can comfortably walk 7/10 MPH while typing, but I have it set to 1.5 MPH and that seems to be working fine. I’m making more typos than usual, but I can live with it. I may try to increase the speed over time, but I just checked the digital readouts on the machine, and I have traversed over 2 miles while working on the laptop. 
This is supposed to really help with weight loss. I’ll let you know.</p>
<p>HaHa…The story happened to be in the NYTImes recently and I want my H to install on the elliptical…How do you prevent the laptop from sliding down and does the movement of the machine affect that? Let us know how well it’s working…</p>
<p>wow…I am impressed!</p>
<p>Love this idea. I think this thread should be linked to the engineer one, however, so we can get some immediate help with the technical aspects. I need modifications to my lifecycle to prevent the laptop from sliding into my lap.</p>
<p>Even better… rig it all up so that the power for the laptop is generated by the person using the treadmill…</p>
<p>My son told me about something he’d seen online. You rig up your alarm clock so that every time you hit the snooze button, you automatically donate $10 to a charity you hate.</p>
<p>lol
I don’t use an alarm so that wouldn’t work for me- but my H needs it- he hits the snooze button ( only when I poke him) so often Im ready for an alternative.
( he gets up @4am I don’t get up till 6am)</p>
<p>rodney,
The “arms” of my treadmill, which I would normally hold while fast walking or running, come straight out and are parallel to the running track of the treadmill.
The laptop hasn’t budged. So far, so good. I have “upped” my speed to 2 MPH. It takes more concentration to walk and type, but I’m viewing it as a challenge as I correct my typos.</p>
<p>If you are looking to use a laptop with an exercise machine of some sort, you could try something like [EVO</a> Laptop Arm - Model 5507T. Floating mount and docking station for notebook computers.](<a href=“http://www.lcdarms.com/products/Laptop_Arms/5507T.html]EVO”>7000-T - Flexible Height-Adjustable Laptop Stand | HAT Design Works) with the wall mount option. That way, the laptop will not be jostled by the movement of the exercise machine.</p>
<p>I love this idea! I wish I had a treadmill. </p>
<p>I do have a low-tech suggestion. I used to sit at my computer on a large exercise ball. It was very comfortable, and I was constantly in motion, bouncing, rolling back and forth. I had to stop using it because it was a magnet for my sons. I deflated it and put it away when I saw my then 7-year-old spread himself over it and go flying.</p>
<p>I guess I am the dissenting voice but I actually like going to the gym, blaring the Ipod and getting an hour away from the computer!</p>