Lemondrop

Usually, the only exercise we get at work is sprinting from our desks to the bathroom after too many water-bottle refills.

But if that's not cutting it for your cardio requirements, there are tons of new exercise machines now geared for use at work. In this health-crazed, time-crunched society, the proliferation of workout-at-work (deskercise?) products is no surprise. Last week we learned about the Walkstation, a popular desk/treadmill hybrid. (Effective? Probably. Professional? We're not quite sold.) There's even a social network for office exercisers.

Whether you're looking for a legitimate office workout or you're simply in the mood to be amused, click here to see four deskercise gadgets. Then tell us what you think -- do you wish you could walk while you type? Or is exercise best left for after-hours?

The gadget: Desk treadmill -- a ready-made one like the Walkstation, or a standard treadmill with an added desk for your home office (DIY how-to).
How-to: Walk while you type!
What it does: Mayo Clinic research shows that a so-called work-walker can burn an estimated 100 to 130 calories an hour at speeds slower than two miles an hour. And it's sweat-free.


The gadget: Ball chair -- either a specially designed one with frame and wheels, or just a standard yoga ball.
How-to: Substitute the bouncy fella for your regular, ergonomic office chair.
What it does: Sitting on a wobbly ball forces you to maintain good posture, thereby developing core strength and stomach muscles.


The gadget: Mini-bike.
How-to: Put the bike (essentially a set of pedals sans handlebars) under your desk, and start pedaling.
What it does: Keeps your legs moving like you're good ol' Lance A.



The gadget: Mini-stepper, like the Gamercize.
How-to: More than just a miniature StairMaster, the Gamercize actually hooks up to your computer. Once it's connected, your keyboard and mouse won't work unless you're steppin'.
What it does: Works your legs and midriff. Hello bathing suit!