Blogs / From Jenn

Vitamix Smoothie Recipe: Apple, Pear and Ginger Power!

Since getting my Vitamix earlier this year, I’m happy to say that my love affair with this uber blender has been steady and strong, making me realize just how darn worth it the massive price tag was. In fact, I’ve begun using it for concoctions I hadn’t even planned on: desserts, salad dressings, soups, sauces! It seriously does it all. But before I get ahead of myself, I’d like to share a little glass of heaven I’ve been serving up at home. Say hello to the Apple, Pear and Ginger Power Smoothie!

While there are tons of Vitamix smoothie recipes out there, I like to think I’ve perfected this one to be one of the healthiest and one of the tastiest. While I know the Vitamix purees all of these ingredients down into a smooth drink, I can’t vouch that all blenders will give you that same drinkable consistency that you see above. You can certainly try though! (Although it might help to really chop up all of the pear, apple and kale before going in for blending.) A little spicy and warm and sweet but not too sweet, I think this Vitamix smoothie recipe is delicious. And check out that bright green color—the power of kale, baby!

Apple, Pear and Ginger Power Vitamix Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients
1 c water
1 Bartlett pear, cored and quartered
1 Golden Delicious apple, cored and quartered
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger paste
3 c kale, chopped and rinsed
honey to taste (optional—I think it tastes good without adding any, but I also like to eat kale raw so…)

Directions
1. Add ingredients to your Vitamix in the order stated above (water, then pear, then apple, etc.)

2. Turn Vitamix on and slowly increase the speed. Switch power to high and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.

3. Pour in a glass and drink it up!

While good any time of year, I suspect this will be especially delicious in the fall. What smoothie recipes are you sipping on? (And, yes, I’m sharing this one with FBG Kristen!) —Jenn

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All Is Fair in Love and Workouts…

Why are you reading about dude-related stuff? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week, that’s why! Click here for all the special posts, and please share with the guys in your life! 

True story: It took my husband (also known as “my Fit Bottomed Dude“) and me 11 years to be able to work out together. And, no, I’m not exaggerating. Eleven freakin’ years.

And let me tell you, we tried everything. At first, things would stick. We’d start a weight-lifting routine and go to the gym together. Or commit to running three times a week side-by-side. Or, we’d get up early to do yoga or shoot hoops before work. I’d drag him to my Spin class—and even when I was teaching it—he wasn’t a fan. (The boy does NOT like traditional group ex.) We even attempted to do Bob’s Workout DVD together. Despite our best intentions, we’d keep on a regular schedule for a few weeks, become either unmotivated or frustrated at each other (for reasons I’ll explain below), and then go back to doing our own individual fitness thing.

For two people who like to be active and generally get along, it was funny that we couldn’t work out together. But, quite simply, we didn’t have the same interests, goals or even purposes for working out. Mix in the fact that I get a bit competitive with him at times (hey, I’m human!) and that he is the MOST RIDICULOUS NATURAL ATHLETE EVER, and it was a recipe for occasional disaster. Seriously, he’d take a three-month running break and still go out and school me in a 5K, even though I’d been steadily running and training to get faster. Hmpf. Used to tick me off every time. So much so that I’d make a snide comment and our egos would end up in a trivial argument. (Usually where I was calling him a “show-off” and he was calling B.S. on the fact that I said I couldn’t run faster. Looking back on all this, he was probably right. But don’t tell him that, okay?)

Now, that’s not to say that we weren’t supportive of each other. In fact, he’s been my biggest cheerleader at races, and I know he’s always respected me for my dedication to a healthy lifestyle. And I am always one to tout just how amazingly springy (he’s bouncy like Tigger, guys) and fast he is. Makes me proud.

But a few years ago, we stopped trying to find something that we could do together at the gym. Sure, we’d walk the dog, do some hikes or play the occasional game of tennis, but we knew that in workouts, we’d both want to lead the team, and, well, it’s hard to have two leaders on a team of two. So we did our own thing. I trained and completed a full marathon (he would very slowly and patiently run the last mile of all of my training runs with me for support—which was super sweet), and he lifted weights in the basement and went on two- to three-mile runs when the weather was nice. Sometimes he’d join me for a yoga DVD. After all our years of not finding a steady workout routine we could do together, we settled into a very flexible and understanding rhythm with no expectations. And it was good!

And then I went to this place. My head exploded, I started drinking the Fit Pit Kool-Aid, and, well, against my better judgement, convinced him to go with me one Saturday about a year ago. Despite the fact that he hated group exercise, he gave it a fair shot (’cause it’s sooo not aerobics class) and LOVED it. Said it reminded him of high school soccer practice. And, like me, he was hooked.

Now, a year later, we have finally found a workout routine that we can do and enjoy together. We make it a point to go to the 5:30 a.m. classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday so that we can go together. And, it’s pretty awesome. After all of those years of trying to force something that we could do together, we kind of stumbled upon something that really works for us. ‘Cause if you can actually enjoy getting up at 4:45 a.m. three days a week to work out with your life partner, something is definitely working well.

How about you? Do you work out with your partner? Find it’s better to do a workout-for-one? Tell me all about it! —Jenn

 

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Jenn’s Weekly Workout Routine

You’ve seen our gym bags, fridges and pantries. So for this round of Question of the Week, we’re talking about what our weekly workout routine is like!

Workout schedules are personal. Very personal. Over the years, I’ve tweaked mine to help me train to run a marathon, maintain my sanity, get stronger or simply feel good. As I’ve gotten older and my fitness journey has evolved, I’ve found that tweaks here and there to my workout schedule are essential. Changing things up keeps things fresh, allows me the flexibility to flow with the current pacing of my life, and it allows me to set new goals and go after them as my little heart desires.

While I’ve done the rigid training schedule thing before, I like to think of my workout schedule like I do my diet: your body knows what it needs if you listen to it. So while the below plan is what I usually do, I don’t have one ounce of guilt for missing a workout if my body is still really sore or I’m just plain run down. And on the off chance I have more energy on an off day and I feel like going for a run? Well, I go, gosh darnit! (And, oh, how happy my dog is on those days—even when it’s raining. See photo.)

Jenn’s Weekly Workout Routine

Monday: 5:30 a.m. workout at The Fit Pit  (CrossFit-style, high-intensity workout consisting of strength training, plyometrics and overall butt-kicking. The workouts are different every day so I NEVER get bored. Plus the peeps there are cool.)

Tuesday: 30-minute easy walk or jog with the dog, maybe 20 minutes of light yoga or stretching

Wednesday: 5:30 a.m. workout at The Fit Pit

Thursday: 30-minute easy walk or jog with the dog, maybe 20 minutes of light yoga or stretching (Lately, I’ve been working on my weight-lifting at the gym on Thursday evenings, focusing on doing dead lifts, squats and cleans. Talk about killer!)

Friday: 5:30 a.m. workout at The Fit Pit

Saturday: Workout DVD, run or recovery day

Sunday: Recovery day

Some weeks, depending on my schedule, I might only formally “work out” three times a week (plus dog walks). Other weeks, I’ll take just one day of rest. But, again, I always listen to my body and stay flexible with my plan. After all, I’m the boss of my own workouts, and I know my body best!

Does your workout schedule look like mine? Totally different? Do you even have a “schedule?” Tell me about it! —Jenn 

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One Year Later: Sharing the Love

If there’s one thing I like to do, it’s to share things I love. Okay, well, there are certain things I like to share. My kale? Er, only if I have a couple of bags on reserve. A sip of my chocolate tea? Well, only if it’s not a huge sip. A bite of my open-face breakfast sandwich? Um…maybe you should just make your own.

Okay, so I’m not so good with the food-sharing.

But I am good—perhaps pushy, in fact—with sharing my workouts. While I’ll talk your ear off about any workout I love, get me talking about this place and you might have both of your ears talked right off for keeps. I am certifiably addicted. Similar to CrossFit workouts but with their own Fit Pit flare, I’ve never been in a gym that’s more encouraging, supportive and—to be honest—brutal. You drip sweat, get bruised (I can now climb the rope like a monkey now, but the effer bruises the heck out of my feet), and I’ve even bleed from the place from time to time (an odd badge of honor from doing pull-ups and having a callus tear). I know it’s not for everyone but, for me, there’s nothing better.

I go three days a week, and look forward to it every darn time. In the first few months I went there, I made HUGE gains in strength and ability. I went from doing box jumps on the shortest box to the medium-sized boxes. I went from using the rings to doing pull-ups on the bands. I bumped my wall-ball weight from 8 to 10 pounds, and I increased my ball slam weight by 10 pounds. I even went from doing 5 push-ups on my toes to 15 without stopping.

And now, about a year after I started regularly doing the Fit Pit’s Workout of the Day (WOD)? Holy cow, it’s amazing. I’ve trimmed down and added muscle, I can do six REGULAR pull-ups without stopping (doing my first unassisted pull-up was a huge deal for me), I can climb the rope and ring the bell seven times in one workout, and I’ve moved up in weight and difficulty of about every exercise at the gym. (The only thing that still plagues me are burpees. Holy God, I hate burpees.)

Now, I am by far not the fastest, strongest or most agile person at the gym. Some of the girls and guys there are ah-mazing and inspire me to push myself everyday. But I am doing my absolute best, and improving upon my best—even redefining what my “best” even is (much like Kristen has redefined what her “normal” is). And the pursuit of that, seeing myself achieve goals—even little ones like going a few pounds heavier on wall ball—has done something that you can never put a price tag on: it’s built my confidence. Day after day, week over week, these small victories add up to physical, mental and emotional results that are truly life changing.

I loved myself unconditionally before going to The Fit Pit. But it’s like pushing myself allowed me to step even more into the person that I always knew I was deep down: strong, empowered and limitless (like my I-can-do-anything marathon feeling, three times a week). The whole process has brought me so much joy. And I seriously wake up at 4:45 a.m. excited to go to a 5:30 a.m. class at The Fit Pit. Because the three days a week I do that, the rest of my day is set with a tone of pure awesome. Even on days that I’m struggling with a workout, I’m still proud of myself for being there and doing my best.

With all of the aha/feel-good moments I’ve gotten from my time at The Fit Pit, it’s only natural that I’d want to shout it from the rooftops. To tell everyone I know about it. To darn-near harass (sorry, friends!) others to join me. But I literally want to share the love. And, thankfully, a few of my friends have joined my husband and I at the gym, which both simultaneously momentarily satisfies my urge to convert everyone I know to try it AND makes me want to tell more people. So, here I am. Telling more people.

Have you ever done a workout that changed you physically, mentally and emotionally? One that you wanted everyone to try? Share it! I want to hear it! —Jenn

 

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A Documentary Worth Watching: May I Be Frank

It’s no secret that I love inspirational (and usually educational) documentaries. So when I was recently in Los Angeles for “work,” and Tish and I had the chance to attend a digital launch of one? Well, color me jazzed. And dressy, but not too dressy. And at the hippity dippity capital of the U.S.: Agape International Spiritual Center.

It was kind of like being transported into a new world to tell you the truth. Used to being goofy and loud—and many times considerest the weirdest people in the room—Tish and I found ourselves surrounded by people who were true hippies. Faces painted, hugs given, they were feeling the love, yo. And once the documentary—May I Be Frank—started playing so were we.

A documentary about life change, Frank Ferrante—a 54-year-old Sicilian from Brooklyn living in San Francisco—goes from overweight and unhealthy (both in body and mind, as he struggles with depression, alcoholism and addiction) to learning to live his best authentic life. The movie begins when Frank stumbles into a raw, organic and vegan restaurant called Café Gratitude, becomes friends with the staff, and then embarks on a journey with them to eat raw, get active by taking regular walks and be coached by Café Gratitude employee Ryland, Ryland’s brother Cary, and his best friend Conor.

With just the right mix of crassness, reality and humor—the hilarious colon-cleansing scenes are not easily forgotten—it’s truly a heart-touching movie about transformation. It’s hard and uncomfortable at times to watch, but Frank is almost impossible not to love. Through it all, he’s himself. And, just like the Café Gratitude boys strive for, eating better, moving and learning to love himself does wonders for Frank.

After screening May I Be Frank, Jason Mraz popped on the scene to sing a song (he was rather scruffy yet endearing in person), and then there was a panel discussion about my favorite topic: loving yo’self! On the panel was Michael Bernard Beckwith (you might recognize him from The Secret), Frank and Ryland from the documentary, “The 3 Foot Giant” Sean Stephenson and his lady friend Mindie, Mikkie and Nadia Willis of Elevate Films, and Mastin Kipp from The Daily Love. Seriously, a feel-good time that left me inspired, invigorated and really grateful for all the people in the world who are looking to make it a better place and doing so with such grace, honesty and authenticity. It’s what life is all about!

Have you ever watched May I Be Frank? Want to? Ever been to a movie event like this one where you get to hear the peeps in the doc talk? Tell us about it! —Jenn

 

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Getting Juiced, Jamba Juiced That Is: Part One

While I like to consider myself a pro at making smoothies at home, being able to buy something natural when out and about is a good thing. And in the case of Jamba Juice, it’s a really tasty thing. (Not to mention they have wheat grass!) So when Jamba offered to send Tish and I to its Live Fruitfully Fitness Expo in LA? Well, it was game on. The photo below pretty much sums up the whole trip: working the muscles, eating bananas and getting fruity.

The whole event, which gathered bloggers and fitness publications (like Fab Fit Fun, Zen Gray for Vital Juice and Fitzness to name a few!), centered around Jamba’s Live Fruitfully campaign, which is pretty much about being healthy, fit and awesome. Instead of giving you a breakdown of everything we did in the written form, I thought I’d share some photos—show-and-tell style! And there’s a lot to show because they worked us out like dogs! Happy dogs, of course.

After an intro about Jamba, the 15-minute demo classes came at us fast and furious, with two classes going on at the same time. Like true workout fiends, Tish and I wanted to try everything, so we pretty much ran from room to room, thereby getting a taste of all the workouts we could. Up first we tried Hoopnotica, which we’ve reviewed before but is super fun with a room full of hyped-up fitness writers.

Up next? Bollywood Aerobics with Rahul Nath, which was like Zumba but all Bollywood-ed out with lots of jumps, head bobbing, wrist and hand movements, and pretty much everything you saw at the end of Slumdog Millionaire. It. Was. Awesome. And Rahul can cut a rug, yo.

After that, surf was up. Well, in the fitness sense. Not the beach sense. We didn’t have a chance to hop on these boards ourselves, but the SurfSET class looked like a killer full-body workout that required quite a bit of balance, focus and core stability. Plus, the ability to look like a surfing bad-ass.

Then we did some jump roping in a Foxy and Fierce class that combined intervals of jump rope with boxing drills. We jumped side to side, front to back, one leg at a time and all kinds of fancy!

Let me just say that by this point, our energy—which had been sky-high due to a big, healthy breakfast and, well, just the excitement of the event—began to crash a bit. It wasn’t because of the jump roping because the class was great, we just—for lack of a better term—blew our workout wad early. (Yep, you read that right.) So when Jamba announced its Berry UpBEET smoothies were in the house, well, we exclaimed with happiness and sucked them down for the energy. Made with nothing but strawberries, blueberries, mixed-berry juice, red vegetable juice (carrots, beets, broccoli, spinach, kale, lettuce), mangos and ice, one smoothie has a full serving of vegetables, two full servings of fruit and 230 calories. And, I can vouch that it tastes awesome.

Happy to have some calories in our systems, Tish and I attempted a ViPR class, which was seriously no joke. With some super cool moves, you lift, strike, pivot and turn this big rubber cylinder around. The cylinder is super heavy, but once you started lunging with it like a ninja, let’s just say your muscles start screaming like a ninja, too.

Believe it or not, that’s not even EVERYTHING we did during the four-hour event. Check in to Tish’s blog next Wednesday for her recap, which includes other fun workouts we tried and her take-homes from the event!

Are you a Jamba Juice fan? Ever posed with Banana Man like we did? Tell us about it! —Jenn

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What’s on Jenn’s Workout Playlist?

All of the FBGs swear by high-energy tunes to make their workouts the best they can be. So today’s Question of the Week is all about what’s on the iPod. And no editing or censoring allowed…

Although most of my workouts these days are done at The Fit Pit, I still manage to get in a run or two a week. And those runs are, of course, powered by good tunes. (Well, at least I think they’re good.) So, without further ado, here are the 10 most-listened to songs on my current workout playlist…

What’s on Jenn’s Running Workout Playlist

1. (4:15) Ready to Start, Arcade Fire. This is the perfect warm-up song. And after seeing them at Coachella, every time I hear those beats, it reminds me of that great trip!

2. (3:26) 212, Azealia Banks featuring Lazy Jay. Okay, so this song might be the dirtiest of all songs in the History of Songs, but holy crap if it doesn’t get in your head and make you want to move. Just try not to sing along outside or you might get some looks. Or get arrested for sexual harassment.

3. (4:56) Yummy, Gwen Stefani. Pretty sure I always have at least one or two Gwen or No Doubt songs on any workout playlist at any given time. My favorite track of late though? “Yummy.” So fun to sing along to. And it has a great beat for running.

4. (3:31) Burning Down the House, Tom Jones and The Cardigans. Yes, you read that right. Tom Jones and The Cardigans doing “Burning Down the House.” Need I say more? I thought not.

5. (4:44) Meet Me Halfway, The Black Eyed Peas. You would think that I would be sick of this song by now, but nope. I’m still jamming to it, and, to be honest, most of this album. I love the speed for a nice, steady run.

6. (7:17) 1990 Medley Mix, Paula Abdul. A full 7 minutes of the best Paula songs from the Forever Your Girl album but remixed with a wicked (circa 1990) dance beat. I know—it is too awesome for words. And another reason we want the #PleasePaula campaign to work.

7. (3:19) Sexy and I Know It, LMFAO. Wait. How did that get on there? *Sheepish grin.*

8. (3:34) Cruel, St. Vincent. So this one isn’t as high energy as what I usually run to, but it still has a great steady beat to set your pace with, and, well, I just really, really like it.

9. (3:22) Give Me All Your Luvin’, Madonna featuring Nicki Minjah and M.I.A. This song reminds me of summer, and since warmer weather can’t come fast enough, it’s pretty much a new staple in my running workout playlist.

10. (4:04) Somebody That I Used to Know, Gotye featuring Kimbra. This song seems to be everywhere these days, and I can’t get enough of it. Not super high-energy, but it’s high emotion and my brain gets totally wrapped up in the story of the song. Plus, I’m a suck for a duet. Perfect as a cool down.

Yeah, so I’m not overly surprised that there are some guilty pleasures on there. You know how I like my Gwen and Paula! How similar or dissimilar is your workout playlist? —Jenn

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A Trip to the Buffalo Farm

Fire up the 80s song “Buffalo Stance” by Neneh Cherry because every time I hear the word “buffalo,” I think of that darn song. (And, by the way, what the heck is a buffalo stance, anyhow?) And today, I’m talking about buffalo! Lots of them! On a farm!

Here’s one, in what might be considered a buffalo stance? Little guy is striking a pose. And, let’s be honest, probably isn’t all that psyched to see me, buffalo-eating woman.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ve been evolving my diet to eat more and more veggies and limiting most of my meat consumption to organic and grass-fed. After my month-long vegetarian experiment last year, I’ve been adamant about being truly aware of my meat-eating decision. I figure, if I’m going to eat meat, then I want to know where it’s coming from and how it’s being treated. (Well, about 80 percent of the time—I’m by no means perfect and I do eat meat when I’m out.) And I don’t just want to trust a label on a package, I want to see it for myself.

Lucky for me, I live in the Midwest, and getting to farmland is just about a 20-minute drive from my home. So, every couple of months, my husband and I (and maybe some friends or family—we’re always trying to convince people to come with us) jump in the car on a Saturday morning, and head on down to KC Buffalo Company in Belton, Mo.

The farm has acres upon acres of land for the buffalo to roam, and according to the farmer, they allow their buffalo to live three to four years before becoming meat. This may not seem like a long life, but according to usual practices, these animals are ancient. While it is sad to see the little faces of the buffalo you’re probably going to be eating in a few years (they always keep the youngest one up by the shop), again, I’d rather know what I’m eating than be in complete denial about what my food is and where it comes from.

Buying directly on the farm, from the farm has a few perks. First, the prices are cheaper. Second, it’s a fun trip out of the city. And third, it gets my culinary creative juices going. They sell ground buffalo, steaks, jerky, stew meat, brats, breakfast sausage, roasts, bacon and even buffalo tongue. Pretty much, if a buffalo has it, you can buy it. Which I think is pretty cool. No part wasted! Plus, they have cool buffalo signs around, like this one:

Oh, and I’d be remiss to not mention that not only is the meat high quality and delicious, it’s super good for you. Compared to other protein sources, it’s lean, low calorie and super high in vitamins and minerals. And did I mention I know where it comes from? Hey, even my mom thinks it’s worth smiling about!

Are you like me and like to see the meat you’re eating or would you be if you had a farm near you? Or do you prefer to not see it, thankyouverymuch? Or are you a vegetarian or vegan? Ready to get in a Buffalo Stance? Let’s discuss! —Jenn

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She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not: Jenn vs. Early Morning Workouts

All of this week, each FBG is focusing in on one aspect of working out and sharing what she loves and doesn’t love so much about it in this special “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not” series as part of Love Yo’Self Week. Enjoy!

Dear Early Morning Workouts,

We’ve been going out for quite awhile now. But lately, I feel a bit used. I get up oh-so early most days of the week to fit you in, and while I feel absolutely exhilarated afterwards, well, you sure do ask for a lot. And sometimes—I’ll admit—I have not-so-innocent thoughts about the snooze button. And the snugly warm bed. So in order to figure out if this is really working for me, there’s only one thing to do: she loves me, she loves me not!

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not: Early Morning Workout Pros and Cons

She loves me: I love how energized and focused you make me feel for the day.

She loves me not: I hate waking up in the dark. Hours before most people under the age of 70 are even thinking of getting up.

She loves me: I love how I feel so damn accomplished before my day even begins.

She loves me not: I hate having to warm up the car. Or worse, running late and having to drive in a freezing car.

She loves me: I love driving home and being rewarded with a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise.

She loves me not: I hate the sound of the alarm at 4:45 a.m. Like, really, really hate it.

She loves me: I love the early morning camaraderie at the gym. The can-do spirit, even at 5:30 a.m., when we’re asked to do 50 pull-ups, 50 push-ups and gosh knows what else.

She loves me not: I hate how hungry you make me ALL DAY LONG. 

She loves me: I love how you take my metabolism to the next level.

She loves me not: I hate how you make me need coffee.

She loves me: I love how good you make coffee taste.

She loves me not: I hate how sore I am the next morning when I crawl out of bed, cursing.

She loves me: I love how you’ve changed my body and my life. Above all else, you come first, which means I come first. And, for that, I can’t say thank you enough.

Forget all of the bad things I said, early morning workouts. I didn’t mean them. We’re MFEO!

Love,

Jenn

Are you an early morning exerciser? What would you add to my She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not list? —Jenn

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I Walk It Out—At Work!

What’s bigger than a breadbox and takes over your entire living room?

Well, it’s the groovy new LifeSpan TR1200-DT Treadmill Desk, that’s what! And while, yes, after assembly it did take over even more of my living room (my office was too small to house my usual desk and a treadmill—since I was only trying the Treadmill Desk for a few weeks), let me just say that it was worth it.

Working from home is awesome…and weird. While you can get a lot done (no co-workers buggin’ you with drama), it can also be too quiet (again, no co-workers buggin’ you with drama) and distractions abound (I’m looking at you, BravoTV). But one of the best parts is the ability to work out when you want. Yes, I know there might be meetings and phone calls and stuff, but most days, if you want to take 15 minutes to do yoga or go for a walk, you can. And you can always claim you had bad Mexican food the night before if someone calls when you’re out.

Despite this freedom, sometimes it’s hard—even for me, who is kind of a masochistic when it comes to working out—to get motivated during the work day. I’ve been known to hit the gym at 5:30 in the morning, start my workday at 7 a.m. (green smoothie and coffee in hand, of course) and then proceed to sit on my duff until lunch unless one of the following things happens: my dog demands a walk, my stomach starts grumbling for a snack or the FedEx man knocks on the door.

Now, I know the dangers of sitting for hours on end. I know I should get up at least once every hour—hell, I tell people to do that—but some days I’m tired. And, let’s be honest, in my head I think I already worked out, so walking the dog is going to be about my only other “activity” unless you count cooking dinner and watching TV or reading. So…

Well, let’s just say that the Treadmill Desk was a welcome addition to my routine. I didn’t use it for more than an hour or two at a time, but it definitely helped me to get off my rear, especially in the afternoons when a little work-walking was the perfect energy booster. The Treadmill Desk I tested only went up to a speed of 4 mph, but I found that walking anything faster than 2.2 mpg impeded my ability to type and really focus (your eyeballs get all bouncy). Although a few nights, I did walk at 4 mph while watching TV. (If I were to buy myself one, I’d spring for one that went up to a faster speed so that I could run on it, too—not while working, obviously.)

The display panel shows distance traveled, calories burned, time walking and the Intelli-Step feature that works like a pedometer and counts the steps you take while you’re working. (And it works—I tried hopping off and back on to trick it, and it got it right every time. Talk about an easy way to up your steps-a-day goal!)

The desk also had more than enough room for my laptop, cell phone, regular phone, water bottle and paperwork on it, and it even had a nice little ergonomic arm rest for typing. The belt was quality and the rest of the treadmill felt really secure. Not to mention that putting it together and getting the desk height right (that took a bit of trial and error) wasn’t impossible—with maybe a little help from my husband. The Treadmill Desk goes for about $1,300, so it’s not cheap—but neither are treadmills or big sturdy office desks.

To be honest, I really enjoyed using it. See?

The desks are designed for use at home or in the workplace, and I really, really think this could be an awesome part of the solution to the obesity epidemic. So many have trouble fitting workouts in because of work. So making work more active? Well, that’s just a no-brainer. Granted, most of us won’t get a great workout walking at 2 mph, but it’s certainly better than nothing. And far healthier than sitting on my fit bottom all day.

Do you make it a point to get up and walk around every hour when you’re at work? Do you have a Treadmill Desk? Would you use it all day? Let’s discuss, shall we? —Jenn

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