Trying Out a Standing Desk + Livening Up My New Office

I split my work days between two spaces: my lovely home office (above, with its DIY walnut waterfall desk, sunny window with mountain view, and a handy treadmill in the closet), and a windowless office space which literally used to be a closet (below).

I am really trying to make this closet-office work, and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work from home some days, but if I am being honest with you then I have to admit that the dreary, windowless space has made it difficult to stay motivated.  It was especially difficult when the days were the shortest, because I'd commute in the dark both ways and then spend the entire day under fluorescent light.  I know that this plight is not unique to me and many, many people log their working hours in less than ideal conditions - and to some, I probably have it really good (did I mention they recently installed a heater in this closet office?  #spoiled).

I also know that I have been very lucky.  Getting to work from home for 10+ years was a luxury and I took for granted how the sunlight pouring in kept my mood elevated and my brain focused.  Adapting to a new environment - the job and the office - has been challenging, but that's life.   

I knew the adjustment would be difficult, but what I didn't predict was how the job would wreak havoc on my body, thanks to a 2-3 hour commute (depending on winter road conditions) each day, combined with extended periods of sitting at a desk.  When I work from home I can skip that time commuting, plus I am more inclined to get up for breaks.  I toss a load of laundry in the machine, take the dogs for a pee break, or hop on the treadmill for 15 minutes.  At the office, I just sit and sit and sit and sit - sometimes I even sit on my breaks and lunch because someone comes in and we chat.  Or I just feel too blah to get up.  For some reason, I just move less at the office.  By the end of my first week, I was getting so sore and achy that it was actually painful to drive home.

The saddest thing is that I am doing research in workplace health - and my own work space made me unhappy and unhealthy!

I decided that I had to make some changes.  I brought in a few things from home to make my desk a little nicer and more functional - even something small, like switching my mouse pad for a prettier cacti one and bringing in a photo of Hubby and I, made me happier.



It sounds silly, but buying an inexpensive electric kettle made my office situation so much better too, because having a nice cup of tea any time I want is so relaxing and comforting, plus walking down the hall to fill up the kettle gives me a reason to move at least a few times a day - but I'm not blowing my pay check by wandering over to the cafe every day.

 

Don't laugh, but I also went exploring and found a bathroom really far away and that's the one I use - so once I filter my tea (haha), I've got an excuse stretch my legs.  Now that the weather is warming up (but still kinda snowy and icy where I live), I keep some boots with good tread under my desk so I can go for a little walk around on my lunch. 

All of these little changes have added up (and I still have more changes to make), but the biggest change was adding a convertible standing desk - which has actually made a HUGE impact on my health.  My physiotherapist warned against a standing desk because standing all day can cause health problems too, but I really wanted the chance to switch between sitting and standing.  I did a lot of research and the problems sitting causes us are so alarming.  The solution seems to be avoiding staying stationary: not sitting or standing in one place for too long.  So a desk that converts from sitting to standing - and a commitment to move more during the day - seems to be the best way to combat the negative health impacts of sedentary jobs like mine.

To help me make my office space healthier, AnthroDesk sent me their ErgoSpring Standing Desk Converter (and an anti-fatigue mat) for review and this standing desk been a life changer for me.

It is HEAVY, so Hubby helped me haul it in (say that three times fast!).  Set up was quick and easy (10 minutes - just as promised), and because of the weight this desk is incredibly sturdy.  It grips my existing desk with four strong suction cups.  Sometimes I lightly lean on it when people come in for a chat (shhhh, you're not supposed to do that) and it doesn't even wobble - it's so solid.

By grabbing two levers on either side, I can lift or lower this convertible standing desk with ease thanks to the gas spring technology.  The desk has six different height adjustments available: 44cm, 43cm, 38cm, 31cm, 22cm, 13cm, which is what I wanted because, at 5"9, I'm not freakishly tall but, as my Mom says, I have a long turkey neck, so I like that the desk height can be adjusted - I always use the tallest height setting.  

In the lowered position, it raised my work surface a bit, so having an adjustable chair was necessary.  

The height and ergonomics are perfect, but I am still struggling a little with the mouse because if my keyboard is where I want it (centered), my mouse is moved to the right and then my hand feels like it rubs under the desk.

But the positive impact on my health has been amazing.  I still experience some pain and stiffness because, as my physiotherapist tells me, I shouldn't be sitting for more than 2-3 hours a DAY - and I do that just driving to work and home.  However, I do feel a lot better better thanks to this standing desk option.  When I'm standing, I try to do some light stretching and movement while I work and that helps a lot - I never keep my feet planted in the same standing position for hours on end.  Plus, when I'm already standing I seem to be more inclined to move, which is great!  The key, for me to feel good, seems to be finding the balance between sitting, standing, and walking around.

I would definitely suggest a convertible standing desk as an option to anyone who sits for work, with the caveat that you alternate between sitting and standing to reap the full benefits.  Huge thanks to AnthroDesk for sending me this convertible standing desk!  The best thing is that they have both a Canadian website and a US website and - major perk for my Canadian friends - they offer free shipping in Canada (for orders over $50).  Check out their FAQ page if you're interested in more information on standing desks.  If you're ready to commit, they offer regular sales and discounts, so be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  There's a giveaway on the US page right now (good luck!). 



While I adjust to this new work environment, I'd love to hear from readers who have made their work spaces happier and healthier - what are your tips for me?

Sleek, Modern + Compact Treadmill | SpaceWalker Review

When Hubby and I moved from our suburban townhouse to our rural lakehouse we happily traded interior space for lake frontage, but losing a full height basement and third bedroom has proven to be a little more challenging than we thought.  We miss some things about our old house - including a spot to stash a treadmill, which we actually used quite often.  I had a friend who was a real fitness enthusiast and when we were too busy to connect in person we'd schedule "treadmill dates".



We would each put on our bluetooth earpieces and chat while we walked, neither of us minding that conversation was made more difficult by the whir and buzz of our treadmills.  Before Hubby and I moved to the lakehouse we sold the treadmill because we had no place to put it and we assumed we'd just naturally get fit by spending our time in the great outdoors.  We were right - in the warmer months.  We swim, stand up paddle board, bike, walk, canoe and sail (it's a surprising core workout).  In the winter though, we hunker down and eat indoor s'mores in front of the fireplace.  A wonderful way to embrace hygge, but terrible for our health!

Determined to get active during our hibernating months, Hubby and I started to shop for a small treadmill that we could fit into our office closet - formerly a nook with a filing cabinet and antique trunk:
  

We spent months emptying its contents until we had a beautiful blank slate that we plan to morph into a mini home gym with some additional DIY-ing (like adding some ventilation, an outlet, maybe a shelf for some weights and a small TV?).  But the first step was finding a durable treadmill that is compact enough to fit in there.  Many treadmills on the market need a massive walk-in closet to hide them or,  like our old one, they are too heavy and bulky for me to move on my own.

Eventually I found THE most perfect compact treadmill that's small, sturdy and capable, but it looks so stylish that it doesn't even need to be tucked away.  It's the Spacewalker by BodyCraft.  As my lovely Mom is demonstrating, it is so compact that not only can we store it in the closet, we can use it in there too!

I reached out to BodyCraft and they generously provided one for review (I was not otherwise compensated) - but I would purchase this treadmill in a heartbeat.  Most of the treadmill is a gorgeous creamy white but it does have a glossy colorful side, which comes in black or red.   Let's petition them to manufacture one in turquoise!

It is shipped fully assembled and although it weighs 90lbs, once it's out of the box it is surprisingly easy to move around.  Both my Mom and I can do it alone, thanks to a sleek design that's easy to hold on to - and a pair of sturdy wheels.

Once it's folded up, it's unbelievably compact - there are so many places I could tuck this in my home: beside the tallboy dresser in the bedroom, into our coat closet, or even behind the TV!

You can also flip it onto its side and tuck it behind a sofa or place it at the end of a bed as a bench.

Did I mention that this compact treadmill doubles as a small treadmill desk?  It's the perfect size to rest a laptop.  I have to admit that I will need some more practice to be able to walk and reply to an email, but it's perfect for watching YouTube tutorials or easier work tasks that don't require quite as much brainpower or coordination.

In terms of using it, I love how simple it is to operate.  This treadmill has everything I need: cupcake cup holder, built-in pulse sensors, quick access start/pause button, LED display, and a safety key that immediately turns off the machine.  Even though it's small, it's very sturdy, with a steel reinforced laminated melamine under the deck that can support someone up to 300lbs.  Although the deck is compact in size, even when I am walking at a good clip (you can do up to 4mph), it feels perfectly stable and I never feel like I'm going to run out of room.  I actually like how low it is to the ground because I used to feel a little dizzy on our old treadmill, which felt so high that I was convinced I'd get decapitated if I was running while the ceiling fan was on.  

You can read about all of the treadmill features on the BodyCraft website. 

 

BodyCraft is offering readers $200 off (using the code DANSLELAKEHOUSE) which brings the total to $799, plus free shipping in the US.

Hubby and I are thrilled with this treadmill because it can be a bit of a struggle to find that perfect balance between form and function in a small home.  I'd love a six bedroom home or epic finished basement where I could have a photography studio, a sewing room, a home gym, a proper guestroom, a room for the pups, a chest freezer...  But I don't.  I have a perfectly lovely two bedroom house with a weird little fish room, a bunkie I only use in the summer, and a basement that's five feet tall with no visible stairs leading to it (what a mystery).

Products like this help me feel so much more content with the space I have.  Who needs a massive home gym when I have a compact treadmill that looks sharp, functions beautifully, and helps me make the most of the space I have?   



Stay tuned for the rest of this closet turned home gym transformation...

A huge thanks to BodyCraft for sending me the compact SpaceWalker treadmill.

P.S. Thanks also to my beautiful Mom, for being my model.  Her striking leggings and teal (!) top are designed by a local designer who has her own factory in Katmandu, Nepal, with two retail locations (Elfarrow Apparel): one in my hometown and another on Salt Spring Island, BC.   

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How to Make a Layered Smoothie

Handy Hubby and I are smoothie OBSESSED.  In the summer months, it's an unwritten rule that we carry our smoothies out to the deck.  They're deck drinks.  In the winter, we still love a good smoothie but they're best enjoyed fireside, wearing thick socks and cozy sweaters.  Preferably under a blanket.  
 

To facilitate the smoothie obsession, we own three different blenders (because sometimes we want another smoothie while the first blender is still in the dishwasher - I kid you not), but I still pine for the Vitamix.  I've tried SO many different smoothie combinations, but I'm always on the look out for new smoothie ideas (pinned to both my "Breakfast + Brunch" and "Drinks" boards), although I rarely follow a recipe.  I like to make it up as I go and I mix it up a lot, depending on what's in the fridge and freezer - and how adventurous I'm feeling.  I've learned that smoothies are a great carrying agent for healthier fare like greens, whey protein powder, and flax seed.  I've also been getting pretty festive with my concoctions - I still salivate, just thinking about a pumpkin pie smoothie I made to help me get into the spirit of fall. 

Lately, though, I've been wanting to up my smoothie game.  After seeing some gorgeous layered smoothies on Pinterest, I wanted to give it a try!  There's a little trick, but otherwise it's actually really easy to make these multi-colored smoothies.

Here's the secret: pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes after pouring each layer.  You don't want the layers to be frozen solid, you just want them to morph into a slushier consistency to prevent the different colors from bleeding together.  Here's how I knew they were ready for the next layer: I shook the glasses a bit and if the smoothie sloshed around in the glass, it wasn't ready.  If it only jiggled a little, it was firm enough.  

Because of this extra step, layered smoothies are a tad more time consuming so they're not practical for a speedy workday morning, but for a lazy afternoon snack or Sunday brunch they're perfect!  Hubby and I loved how each layer had a subtle but distinct flavor, but you could definitely create wildly different layers for a unique taste experience.  The best part is how pretty they are, which I swear makes food even tastier.

Here are the three smoothie variations I layered together - I kept it very simple.  These measurements made two 16 oz. glasses, with a tiny bit left over for the chef.  Because I was making three mini-smoothies, I used my Nutri Bullet Blender, which was perfect for the job.

Layer One:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Two:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen peaches
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 banana
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Three:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 tbsp flax seed

Sixteen other bloggers are sharing their smoothie recipes too, check them out: Simple Green Smoothies, Orange Carrot Smoothie, Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie, Peach Cobbler Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, Simple Strawberry Smoothie, Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie, Chamomile Blueberry and Peach Smoothie, Pineapple Spinach Smoothie, Lavender Smoothie, Green Detox Smoothie, Winter Citrus Smoothie, Chocolate Pea Protein Smoothie, and Tricks for a Healthier Smoothie.

This post was sponsored by Wayfair, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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10 Sneaky Ways to Fit Exercise into a Busy Day

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CentrumFunFlavors #CollectiveBias



Centrum® MultiGummies® has given me some ideas for meeting my fitness goals this year!  I have really ambitious fitness goals for 2017, which include joining my municipality's fire department.   I'm excited about some aspects, like getting my DZ license and driving the truck, but I'm also worried that I won't be strong enough for the work.  In the summer, I'm pretty active and I feel stronger, thanks to fun activities like swimming, canoeing, and sailing (which is a ridiculously good core workout when Lake Superior decides to kick our butts).  But in the winter I go into hibernation mode and I've got such a long list of reasons for not staying fit: I'm super busy, I live too far from the gym, I'm still embarrassed about the time I fell asleep in a Pilates class.  I was starting to warm up to some winter activities, like snow shoeing and skiing, but then the temperature really plummeted - even my hardiest neighbors, the ones who jog all winter in fancy jogging clothes, seem to have disappeared indoors.  

But we have an idea!  Hubby and I are looking into some kind of treadmill or elliptical machine that's small, so we can transform the office nook into a teeny tiny hidden home gym.  We were even thinking of eventually installing a small TV, plus maybe a fan for some airflow, and hiding the whole thing with some kind of door when it's not in use.   



In the meantime, inspired by Centrum® MultiGummies® (which is a great-tasting and super easy way to sneak in some vitamins), I'm on a mission to sneak in as much fitness and activity into my day as possible.

Yup, they're a gummy, but these multi-benefit multivitamins include 100% or more of essential nutrients, Vitamins B12, D, and E.  Antioxidants such as Vitamins C, E and Zinc help support normal immune function* and B Vitamins aid in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.* Also, B-vitamins to help support daily energy needs.* Lots of important health benefits, but it feels like I'm just popping a couple of sweet treats in the morning.  So easy!

Here are my 10 sneaky, excuse-proof ways to fit exercise and movement into a busy day:

I Put on Wrist Weights for Random Tasks...

I hate lifting weights.  Hubby really wants to get into it, so we added weights to some yoga workouts - it was tough, but good for me.  Then I stumbled across this genius idea:  put on some small wrist weights when simple tasks, like blow drying my hair.  It adds some resistance training to something I'm already doing!  Sneaky sneaky.

I Park Farther Away...

This might be the oldest trick in the book, but those extra few steps taken during every errand or appointment really add up and it's a great way for me to get a little more exercise, no matter how busy my day is.

I Phone a Friend...

My biggest success with dedicated exercise was with our treadmill, which I ended up using a ton because a friend of mine loved her treadmill too (she was so fit, people at her gym started a rumor she was training for the Olympics!).  When we couldn't meet up for a walk in person, we'd pop in our Bluetooth ear pieces and have "treadmill dates," which was really motivating for me because it didn't feel like exercise.  I loved swapping a coffee date for a walk because it really just felt like getting together with a friend.  When Hubby and I moved from Ottawa, we sold our treadmill - and I actually miss it, which is why we're trying to fit one into our office closet!  I also miss having a workout buddy, but everyone I know is secretly my fitness buddy because anytime the phone rings, I grab my hands-free headset and go for a walk, do some gentle stretches, or even just swiffer the house - as long as I'm moving!  People used to ask me about the suspicious rustling and heavy breathing, but now everyone knows I just can't sit still and chat!
 

I PVR a Free Yoga Program on TV...

Over the years I have taken a ton of fitness-type classes, including self defense, fencing (for real), dancing, Pilates, step aerobics and more, but these days I like exercising in the privacy of my own home because it's easy, cheap, and no one will laugh at me if I accidentally doze off.  I have a huge collection of workout DVDs but I get bored quickly so I found a program on TV that delivers a new yoga routine every day.  I set my PVR to record it, which means I have extra motivation to watch and delete them because, if I don't, my PVR fills up super quickly and there's no room for Nashville or The Walking Dead!

I Get Active on Commercials...

After some exceptionally long and busy days, all I want to do is curl up on the sofa with The Big Bang Theory, so I bargain with myself: watch the show, but do some stretches or push-ups on commercials!  It's a great way to sneak in a little exercise on those days when I'm just beat. 

I Play "Tag" and "Keep Away" with Szuka...

I love going for walks but sometimes it's way too cold or muddy to brave our dirt road, so Szuka and I have some games we play in the backyard instead.  We can both get our hearts racing (and tongues wagging) faster than walking, so it's an easy, speedy way for us both to get some exercise - but it just feels like we're playing.  She loves fetch, but she also loves to play tag and keep away.  She likes me to chase her around the yard (that's tag) or I grab one of her toys and try to evade her by running around the property (that's keep away).  Does a short burst of games ever get my heart rate up!  We even play this inside, which wreaks havoc on our hardwood floors, but it's a great way to keep both of us active, especially when neither of us is keen on braving the blizzard raging outside.  Plus I think the mental challenge of trying to catch me (or find me if I'm lurking in the trees) is good for her brain.

I Set a Timer for Working...

Getting lost in a busy work day is sometimes the biggest obstacle to working out, so I try to remember to set a timer.  Every half hour (or hour on a super busy day), my timer goes off (in another room, to make sure I actually get up and turn it off) and I try to move around a little.  I do some stretches, grab a glass of water, or take a quick break with Szuka - anything to get up and out of my desk chair for a few minutes! 

I Do My Own Snow Removal...

When we lived in the townhouse, the condo dealt with grass cutting and for many years we hired out snow removal too.  These days we do it ourselves and I hate it, but it's such a good work out.  The snow blower we use does a lot of the work for us, but it still requires some manhandling and we do quite a bit of shoveling.  I can definitely get a good sweat going by clearing the driveway.  Some days I'm super tempted to hire it out to a neighbor who has a plow on his truck, but I remember that I need this activity to be healthy and I power through.

I Dance When I'm Cleaning...

Don't laugh, but to make cleaning more fun - and to get my heart rate up a little - I often dance while I'm cleaning.  Once the music is pumping, the tasks fly by and I find that I'm moving more without even realizing it.  Szuka joins in whenever I bust a move, barking and hopping - it's the cutest.  After an hour I'm winded, Szuka is ready for a nap, and the house is that much tidier.  It's my favorite hack for squeezing in more exercise and staying on top of the mess!

I Got a Pretty Fitness Tracker...

You can always lure me into doing something with jewelry.  Hubby did a fitness challenge through work and had to get 10,000 steps a day so he was wearing his step counter every day and I got one too - solidarity!  It helped me see just how much all of those little changes (parking farther, moving while I'm on the phone, dancing while I'm puttering) logged steps and got me moving more so I could top up my steps and reach my goal (of beating Hubby). 

For some people, exercising is something they look forward to but I only look forward to certain things - a lot of which are warm weather activities.  To keep me moving in the winter - and overcome the litany of excuses I dream up - these are my little tricks to keep moving and work on my fitness, no matter how busy (or lazy) I feel.  I'd love to hear your tips!  

Sometimes it's just nice to make something you should do feel more fun and less like a chore.  That's the spirit of Centrum ® MultiGummies for adults: you can take your daily multi-vitamin in a tasty gummy you look forward to each day!  Plus Centrum ® MultiGummies are gluten-free and have no artificial flavors or sweeteners.

I picked up a bottle at Wal-Mart which was so convenient - I didn't have to brave the kind of supplement shop where other patrons clearly don't need to trick themselves into getting fit and active.  Click here for some great coupons!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Aloe Can Do That?

This post is sponsored by detoxwater™ but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

From trying to get to bed early to eating a healthier diet, I really focused on my health and well being in 2016.  But I'm only human!  So I definitely backslid a little recently.  I think my willpower - and common sense - both took extended vacations because I found myself saying yes to every slice of cake, every pile of perogies, and every alcoholic beverage placed in front of me. 

I don't regret a single bite or sip, but I'm ready to start 2017 feeling great - and I'm not waiting for the clock to strike midnight to make healthy goals, I'm already righting the ship!  It doesn't hurt that I was sent a case of detoxwater^™  before the holidays, because not only has it helped me re-hydrate my body, it's also helping to give my metabolism and digestive system a little TLC.   

Did you know aloe can do that?

Why Drink Aloe?

I already knew about aloe's amazing burn-soothing properties, but I was oblivious to the benefits of consuming aloe, although I was definitely curious - especially after seeing some weird looking aloe cocktails online (yum).  In turns out that in addition to 20 minerals (which help detoxify the body of metabolic waste) and 19 amino acids (which fight inflammation and bacteria), aloe also has naturally occurring polysaccharides.  These long chains of sugar molecules are clinically proven to promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, plus they help support the immune system and stabilize blood sugar levels - which I definitely need right now.  As an added bonus, these polysaccharides also improve skin's elasticity, which helps skin retain its youthful glow. 

By incorporating detoxwater™ into my (once again) healthy diet, I'm feeling really good!  It's fun to drink aloe water - it feels so strange! - and that's helped kick start some other good-for-me habits.  By the time we ring in 2017 I'll be ready to tackle anything. 
 
Learn more about the health benefits of aloe here!  Or check out detoxwater™ on Facebook and Instagram. 




Wondering how it tastes?  I was definitely expecting a really green tasting beverage, but it's DELICIOUS! 

It's mild and refreshing, and it comes in three soft and subtle fruity flavors: Lychee & White Grape, Mangaloe, and Pinamint.  It's sweetened with stevia (my favorite) and organic agave nectar, so it's not packed with sugar, which I appreciate.  It's also free of any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives (yay!) - and it's only 15 calories a bottle.  More good news:  it's also USDA organic, OU Kosher, vegan, and gluten-free. 

Get 30% Off!

Curious about detoxwater™?  Now's the chance to try it, because Dans le Lakehouse readers get 30% off by using the code ALOE30!

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