Kinetic Computing
Get Fit While Programming and Alleviate Exercise Monotony
The first article I posted on Medium under the Pragmatic Programmer’s imprint, Levitate Your Workspace, is a popular write-up on how I engineered a programming workspace to float above my bed. I have recently evolved that idea by moving it from the bed to my bike so I can code while peddling. Let me explain.
I built my Infinity recumbent designed by Ace Tool & Engineering back in the late 80s. Thanks to its superior craftsmanship, the bike has endured thousands of miles and held up far better than I have over the years. During the winter, I attach it to an indoor variable resistance trainer to keep up my riding cadence. But without the stimulation of interesting landscape to ride along, exercising can get pretty monotonous.
Taking a cue from my floating PC, I rigged up a tablet stand to hold my Microsoft Surface and attached a magnetic mount from Scosche to hold my Bluetooth mini-keyboard.
The screen is angled and stable to touch, while the keyboard is small enough not to knock into my undulating legs while peddling. I wear Bluetooth earbuds paired with the Surface and stream trance from SomaFM to help get me into a flow state. Then I launch Visual Studio Code and enlarge the font so it’s easier to see while slightly swaying as I exercise.
🚲 Coding on the go has never been healthier!
Get Mike Riley’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Be sure to pick up a copy of Portable Python Projects by Mike Riley, available from The Pragmatic Bookshelf. You can save 35 percent with promo code python_automation_2022 now through April 30, 2022. Promo codes are not valid on prior purchases.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these articles from Mike Riley:
