That was my reaction when I saw this video clip.  This new invention will definitely go down in calorie burning infamy.  It just might trump the Hula Chair contraption that we shared a laugh over in an earlier blog.

OK, we know that one downside of using a treadmill for exercise is that the view never changes.  But come on!  This is taking the need for scenery a bit too far. 

For one thing, it can’t be very safe.  Can you imagine hopping on this and sharing the road (it’s too wide for sidewalks) with semis, SUVs, and school buses?  Not everyone lives on a quiet country lane as shown in this promotional video.

And what if you live in a hilly area?  How do you brake the thing?  Maybe you just run backward!  And going up hills?  The big strapping guy in the video looks like he is straining to make it move on level terrain.  Imagine a sedentary person  trying to make this go up even the slightest incline!

Also, judging by the video clip, treading on this treadmill could be a biomechanical accident waiting to happen.  Notice how the guy is leaning so far forward as he runs?  Can you say, “Ouch, my lower back is killing me?”  Maybe he is driving the treadmill to the chiropractor.   Ha ha!  Also check out how he is pushing off with his toes at all times.  I see overuse injuries to his feet, hamstrings , quads, and knees in his future.

I give the inventors credit for trying to find a way to help people burn more calories.  But if you are looking to buy equipment to get you moving more, you can do better than this.    Tune into next week’s blog where we will focus on tips for selecting exercise equipment this holiday season.