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Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

codaris.github.io

91–100 of 137 posts

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#91
post #34

Great writeup! I did something similar for the (much dumber) DeskCycle which has a simple odometer. Conveniently I was just able to plug it into Aux In and track pulses. https://github.com/lfowles/deskcycle

What did you plug into aux? And what does this app do?

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#93
post #76

I think cycling is the wrong motion for an under-desk exercise machine. I think it should be a very short vertical motion, just feet moving up-and-down, something you can do without disrupting your chair posture, or making the rest of your body move too much. Potentially you don't even lift your toes up, just raise and lower your heels with some kind of resistance. Maybe you wouldn't get much exercise this way, but I…

You mean a stepper? https://www.amazon.com/-/us/dp/B07NRCZHYJ/

I wonder if even that might be too much motion for under a desk. Plus, it looks like it's designed to be stood on, so I wonder how it would work when you're sitting and not directly over it, and don't have all your weight on it. Still, might be an options.

I've also thought a sliding back-and-forth motion might work -more like a skiing thing.

Thanks for the link

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#94
post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You mean a stepper? https://www.amazon.com/-/us/dp/B07NRCZHYJ/

I wonder if even that might be too much motion for under a desk. Plus, it looks like it's designed to be stood on, so I wonder how it would work when you're sitting and not directly over it, and don't have all your weight on it. Still, might be an options. I've also thought a sliding back-and-forth motion might work -more like a skiing thing. Thanks for the link

Hm, as a [former] drummer, I'm thinking bass drum pedal here. Build for up/down motion while sitting.

The pedal https://www.thomann.de/intl/millenium_pd222_pro_serie_fussma... [english language link] Something to hit (incl. sensor!): https://www.thomann.de/intl/millenium_e_drum_kick_bass_pad.h...

Partially kidding, partially serious. Careful: These aren't noiseless. My former downstairs neighbor wasn't too happy with me so I could only practice when he wasn't at home ;-)

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#95
post #34

Great writeup! I did something similar for the (much dumber) DeskCycle which has a simple odometer. Conveniently I was just able to plug it into Aux In and track pulses. https://github.com/lfowles/deskcycle

What did you plug into aux? And what does this app do?

The deskcycle has a port for its own odometer that's just connected with a regular 3.5mm audio cable. I don't remember 100% what the app does. I think I got as far as translating pulses to the same "speed" measurement as their odometer, but ran out of steam after that.

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#96
post #60

I've tried desk treadmills with a standing desk, bike desks which are designed for a laptop and under desk pedalers like this. I end up ditching them all in the end because the movement is distracting enough to not let me get into the zone. Whenever I need to focus on something I instinctually stop moving to 'free up' brain power to execute whatever I'm doing better, be it a computer game, writing or coding. Also you…

I took up Dance Dance Revolution again, which I used to be into in high school. I thought I "couldn't do it anymore" but it just took several weeks before I was conditioned enough to not be in pain the next few days.

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#97
post #60

I've tried desk treadmills with a standing desk, bike desks which are designed for a laptop and under desk pedalers like this. I end up ditching them all in the end because the movement is distracting enough to not let me get into the zone. Whenever I need to focus on something I instinctually stop moving to 'free up' brain power to execute whatever I'm doing better, be it a computer game, writing or coding. Also you…

"Free up" brain power: I turn off the radio when I need to focus driving on the road (e.g. traffic, rain, snow) It sounds absurds. But I think some may do the same.

> "Free up" brain power

Same. When I have to seriously think about the code I'm writing - I stop the music. I think that goes against a lot of people who continuously jam music while writing code.

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If users care about that, they'll go to a vendor that gives them access to the data. No need to legally mandate anything.

There are no vendors that do it; it's in their best interest to keep data locked down. You can't vote with your wallet when your candidate isn't running.

That's not true. If you buy a fitness tracker from Garmin you can download FIT files with all your data either directly from the device or through their free online service. The format is documented and you're allowed to use your own data however you like.

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#99

Is it practical to do fine mouse work while pedaling? Or is pedaling more something you do while checking email etc.? I know if someone so much as jiggles my desk I immediately notice.

I use a treadmill desk - I've found that 1.4mph works well. Pixel perfect work is a problem, but everything else is pretty okay.

Re: Hacking a $200 Under Desk Exercise Bike

#100
Okay but get outside once in a while too.

Flapping your feet around under a desk is not real exercise.

Easy bet just walking the same amount of time is better for you with your own weight providing resistance against muscles.

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