Product Review – The Level
Curiosity, intrigue, excitement… these were but a few of the feelings going going my mind when the team Fluidstance asked me to review their new product designed to add movement to the office environment, “The Level”.
When I first opened The Level it looked like I had been sent Marty McFly’s hover-board from Back to the Future. The product resembles a skateboard without the wheels. Underneath the smooth wooden finish of the surface is a metal dome, which acts as a balance, allowing the user to stand on the board and swivel to achieve a 360 degree range of movement.
Frankly, I was a little concerned before trying out the product. I was worried that I had committed to write a review for a product that I didn’t expect to get much value from. I mean, I already had a standing desk at work, what value was this board going to add to my workday? As it turns out, much more than I had expected!
Sitting is the New Smoking
We’ve all seen the headlines, “Sitting is the New Smoking”. But what does that actually mean? Emerging research has linked sitting for long periods of time with poor health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. One study compared adults who spent less than two hours sitting in front of a TV/computer screen to those who spent four of more hours a day in front of a screen, the results were startling. Those with greater screen time had:
- A nearly 50 percent increased risk of death from any cause
- About a 125 percent increased risk of events associated with cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain (angina) or heart attack
Rising to the Challenge
I read this research a few years ago, which is why I asked my work to invest in a standing desk for me. I had access to my standing desk for over 18 months but recently found myself spending an increasing an amount of time sitting on my well padded behind. Cue The Level…
The Level gave me renewed motivation to stand. Initially, it also gave me thighs and hamstrings a bloody good work out! I’d notice that after balancing on the board during the day, I’d go home feeling like I had done an intense legs day at the gym. It was a win, win, I was getting the benefits of standing and I was using muscles I clearly wasn’t before. I quickly became addicted to the board, not only for the health benefits but frankly, because it was a lot of fun!
My colleagues also become intrigued with The Level and started using it when I wasn’t in the office! They were as enamoured as I was and wanted to know where they could procure one too. As the days continued, I found myself standing on the board more and more and reducing my sitting time. A benefit I had not expected when starting the process.
Regular movement is key to good health
A common misconception is that we can make up for sitting long periods by exercising regularly. However, a growing body of research is showing that sitting for long periods itself is hazardous to health, regardless of exercise[1]. Even standing sedentary at a workstation (while an improvement) may not be enough to ensure good health, according to the research
The key is movement. Moving for 2 out of every 20 minutes can completely negate the health detriment of prolonged sitting[2] and this is where The Level comes in. The Level not only gets you standing (already an improvement) it encourages movement too. It’s a win, win!
Verdict?
This is one of those situations where I am happy to have been provide wrong. My initial assumptions were off the mark. The Level adds both fun and moment to a work day. It’s a fantastic product I’m happy to get behind.
If you work in an office environment or an environment where you are sedentary for long periods it is very much worth the investment. The Level encourages movement, which as the science says, is key to good health!
If you are interested in finding out more about the product or looking to purchase it, you can check it out here.
*I make no commission from any sales of this product. I endorse it because it simply because I believe it’s a fantastic product.
[1] http://www.thepaleomom.com/2015/07/the-benefits-of-gentle-movement.html
[2]http://www.thepaleomom.com/2015/07/the-benefits-of-gentle-movement.html
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