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Writing and Exercise… at the same time?
 Posted by Tawny Weber Aug 11 2010, 11:28 pm in Tawny Thursday I made the following point during the Getting Off the Roller Coaster workshop we presented at National’s: When you sit for an extended period of time, your body starts to shut down at the metabolic level. When muscles-especially the big ones meant for movement, like those in your legs-are immobile, your circulation slows and you burn fewer calories. Key fat-burning enzymes responsible for breaking down triglycerides simply start switching off. Sit for a full day and the fat burners plummet by 50 percent. Which says that we writers have one heck of a challenge in front of is, right? I mean, we do spend a LOT of time sitting. So my challenge right now is to find ways to mitigate that 50 percent loss of fat burning power. I figured I’d share my quest with you here So here’s my first discovery! Actually, I discovered this cool idea a few months back when I was lamenting the amount of time I spend at my desk and how challenging it is to remember to get up and move around every hour. It’s called a Treadmill Desk. Basically, it’s a treadmill with a desk built around it so you can work on the computer while walking (recommended speed is 1mph, which even I can do while typing and not fall on my face). The doctor that came up with this idea estimates that if used during a normal work week (40 hours) instead of sitting, you could lose almost 60 lbs. Not doing anything else. Holy cow, huh? And when I mentioned it in the workshop, at least one person was getting one! I’m so excited to hear how it goes. But me, I can’t afford a new treadmill right now, let alone one with it’s own desk. So a little further searching (really I just clicked the same page) found me instructions to build my own! And the best part was reading that moving while writing would not only help me get in shape, but would help my brain function better so I could write more! Wow, talk about a win win. Now, I’ll admit, I haven’t done anything yet about building my own tread desk. I’m still researching on this quest. But so far this is my number one favorite idea. The only drawback to it is that my treadmill is in my bedroom and I write late at night -when my husband is in that bedroom sleeping. But… I could do all my day computing at the tread desk, right? What do you think? Would you use a tread desk? Have you ever seen one? What kind of things do you do to get yourself up from your seat and moving around during your writing sprints?
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Yes! I would definitely use the tred desk. I HATE sitting for long periods of time. Drives me crazy.
What a great idea.
I’m way too happy to sit all day long, Keri, so I’m very excited to try this out. I talked Hubby into trying to make one so we’ll see how it goes
Great idea, but I can’t read while on a treadmill. I can’t imagine trying to write. Maybe go through email or skim blogs. It’s too jarring. And I hate typing if my hands are hot or sweaty.
Maybe getting up from the desk, taking a break, walking around the neighborhood would be just as good?
But this is a cool concept for those who can make it work.
Rachel
Rachel, I wasn’t a fan of reading on the treadmill either, but then I got a Nook and wow, it’s a great way to help the time fly by. I such a klutz, though, I’m hoping the 1mph walking pace is easy enough that I can type and walk at the same time. It’ll be interesting.
I try to make it a habit to get up at least once a hour from my desk – at work and when at home when writing. I drink a lot of water too to help me with that.
I also try to stand while reading some of the trade pubs at work and find other ways to incorporate activity into my day – take the stairs, walk to talk to people instead of email/phone, etc.
Not sure if I’m a good candidate for a treaddesk. Certainly couldn’t fit one into my place.
Michelle, you really rock the movement, don’t you! That’s so great. I’m such a slacker in that area. I need to get a timer and set it for every 45 minutes to remind me to get up. I had one, but it fell in the pool (long story *g*) I think if you’re already getting the movement, then a treaddesk is superfluous, huh?
I’ve managed to find a way to write on the treadmill. The only problem is getting me on the treadmill–it hasn’t increased my frequency, unfortunately! But maybe it’s because I don’t have the RIGHT writing surface! Miss you and hope your trip was great!
Virna!!!! I miss you
You inspired me to try to use my alphasmart on the elliptical once. I love the idea, but my wrists hurt because the angle didn’t work. I’m hoping this works better
We’ll see what it does for frequency LOL.
Hi Tawny,
I’m a day late so I don’t know if you’re still checking comments. I was wondering if that research addressed breaks like Michelle takes. I wonder how long you have to be sitting for it to take effect. I sometimes try to get up and do a dance break – just pull up a song on iTunes and exer-dance for the length of it before settling back in.
Since I wasn’t at the workshop. I don’t know if you mentioned this, but have you seen Carolyn Fyffe’s pictures of her writing at her treadmill desk? She was the first person I ever heard of doing it.
http://www.carolinefyffe.com/potpourri.html
[...] Last week, I shared this little tidbit: I made the following point during the Getting Off the Roller Coaster workshop we presented at National’s: [...]
LOL! I know Stephanie Bond suggested writing-while-tred’ing years ago. I can barely chew gum and walk. However, when I do get out of my writing garret and out in the “real world,” I come up with tons of great plots…
So I’ll keep my 5-8 mile daily walks going.
However, I have noticed that I write A LOT whenever I’m on a plane, so now my goal is to buy my own 737. I hope it comes with a hunky pilot. Everyone who reads this blog can help out! Just buy, like, 100 copies each of my book! Makes great XMas, Mother’s Day and B’day gifts! If you do, I will PERSONALLY come give you a ride!
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