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Comments

[Phil B]

William Proxmire, a senator from Wisconsin in the 1970s, had a special small writing desk made for himself so he could stand while working in his office. He also was very careful about what he ate and he jogged to work. I always intended to build such a desk, but never got around to it.

[alternativeinsanity]

Sitting furniture is silly. I can ever keep still when I'm sitting down, so I would especially love to build this special desk. :)

Sir Philip, I would be delighted to see this project if you do decide to make one in the future.

[Phil B]

I have thought about your suggestion that I make an Instructable on a desk for work while standing. A couple of people at Instuctables have already done similar projects. See these links:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Affordable-Stand-Up-Desk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Stand-up-desk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-hollow-core-door-to-stand-up-desk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Standing-Desk-in-prep-for-treadmill-desk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Treadmill-Desk/

At this link you will find some for sale commercially. Some of them are more than a thousand dollars. If I were to make one, I would make a very gradually slanted top. The back four inches would not be slanted. I would make it so the front of the top came to the height of my elbows. It could stand on its own legs or it could be made shorter to rest on an existing desk or tabletop. Shelves and drawers under it would be optional.

[alternativeinsanity]

These are really great, I really like the sound of your possible desk. As I've never worked seriously with wood aside from making a few hinged boxes, mine would probably look something like this:

http://us.cdn4.123rf.com/168nwm/imagehitevo/imagehitevo1102/imagehitevo110200306/8758078-businessman-gesturing-at-stacked-cardboard-boxes.jpg

[Phil B]

I finally did it. The final product is a bit different than I first thought it would be, but it seems to work rather well. Click here to see it.

[annahowardshaw]

Jefferson, Churchill and Hemingway also used standing desks. While not nearly that nice, I hope to have an Instructable up on this topic soon : )

[Ranie-K]

Why does almost all these weight-loss instructables use pictures that they simply nabbed from other websites?

[alternativeinsanity]

Originally, I had a note about the pictures but the revised introduction didn't save. I'll be sure to cite them properly. :)

(Usually I don't like to use random internet pictures, but as I'm not completely comfortable with publishing pictures of myself or family, I have to compensate).

[Kiteman]

Maybe the author hasn't followed their advice?

@ alternativeinsanity - you should get permission to use other folk's images, and cite their sources.

[Wolf Seril]

More or less correct info but the first step is extremely hard to read. I have a couple tips to add- For exercise, the absolute best things you can do are lifting free weights (not machines), running, and swimming (laps). Free weight exercises like lifts, squats, and presses are the most efficient way to build muscle. Muscle takes more energy to maintain, meaning you burn more calories even when you're not working out. Running works your entire legs and your core, and is also the most practical exercise you can do. Swimming works every muscle constantly, your body burns extra calories to keep you warm, and you don't feel like you are working as hard as you are because you aren't getting hot and sweaty. Basically what I'm saying is don't say yoga* or tennis or rollerblading for 30 minutes a few times a week is your exercise and expect progress.

(*Yoga is great and has a lot of benefits, but it is not a good exercise for weight loss compared to those listed above)

When it comes down to it, your weight is calories in, calories out. If you eat more calories than you use, you will get bigger. If you use more than you eat, you will get smaller. You could have the best diet in the world, but if you aren't exercising enough to burn all that energy you are going to gain weight.
 
I have more I could say, but instead I'll just link to this awesome FREE book that will tell you everything you could want to know about getting and staying in shape. Oh my goodness that sounds like spam what has happened to me (seriously read that book).

[alternativeinsanity]

Thanks! I did mention swimming and running as the best exercises, and I didn't mean that yoga for thirty minutes a week was going to help burn fat. I only said that if you never exercise and lead an unhealthy lifestyle, starting out with running three times a week and getting more daily physical activity (like roller blading) would help lead you into a healthier lifestyle.
I'd also like to clear up anything too confusing, so if you have any ideas about the first step I'd be happy to hear them. :D