Stationary Bikes Join Books in
Virginia School Library
Fit for the Library: Clemson Students Study on
Stationary Bikes
FitDesk Bike Desk
While
working on a bulletin board in the hallway the other day my principal
approached and told me to replace the grungy old couch in our library. Out of habit I went to our catalogs and
started looking through the furniture, with the initial thought of maybe
ordering some bean bag chairs instead.
Then like a light bulb going off I thought “stationary bikes.” A few weeks ago I was discussing this trend
with some of my colleagues in Dr. Church’s Research Methodology class. I started looking into the subject and found
the websites above. What an awesome way
to incorporate wellness into the library, and help students, especially those
with a lot of energy (you know the one’s), expend some of that restlessness
with literacy. When I looked into this
topic I found an article about a high school not far from home titled, Stationary Bikes Join Books in Virginia
School Library. In this piece, the
librarian discusses a “read & ride” section she set up in her Falls Church
high school library. In my investigation
thus far I have found a company called FitDesk that offers a desk bike for
$299.00. I am curious if anyone else
knows of other companies out there that offer desk bikes, or if you have
actually incorporated stationary bikes into your library? If so, how is it ‘working out?’ 
I love this idea and I could see my students really enjoying it. Last week I walked down to the School Board Office (yes, it's attached to our HS building, that's how small of a district we are) and I noticed that they all have Stand Up Desks (http://www.standupdeskstore.com/stand-up-desks). I know that health and physical fitness is important to our Superintendent, so this is definitely something I'll have to look more into. Looking forward to hearing what other people have to say about this topic.
ReplyDeleteI first saw a bike in the library when I went to Patriot for an observation for one my classes. I loved the ideas, and was able to speak to the assistant librarian about it. I am not sure how much it is being used. I would like to find out more, as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd Gigi, I have recently learned of a fitness guru who recommends standing versus sitting. His desk is at standing height, and he is always standing in his online WebEx-like trainings. Very interesting. I am not to that point, yet. :)
I have a stationary bike in my library and LOVE it! The kids all really enjoy riding it while reading in the library. I mentioned wanting to get one to a teacher who was also a parent at the school, she suggested that I post on yard sale sites asking for one for the school. I ended up doing this, but before I got any hits form the sites another mom who heard I wanted one donated their old bike to the library. I don't even have it plugged in, the students just love the movement as they read. I would ask or try the yard sale sites first, you never know!
ReplyDelete