- Hovr is a swing-type device that allows you to keep your feet suspended and swing them while working at your desk. It's suitable for posture adjustment and light lower body activity.
- Immediately after starting to use it, I became more conscious of my posture and felt a moderate stimulation around my lower back, but clear evidence of calorie consumption is unknown.
- Installation position and strap length are important. Incorrect settings can lead to knee pain, so caution is required.
- Start with short durations and gradually get used to it. Stop if you feel pain. Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing joint conditions.
Hovr: A New Device for 'Exercising While Working' During Sedentary Jobs
We tried out the 'Hovr' device, which allows you to move your feet and lower back while doing desk work. According to the manufacturer, it stimulates muscles involved in maintaining balance by making your feet unstable while sitting, leading to improved blood circulation and sustained concentration (Distributor: Inspired Motion). It looks like a swing, and its characteristic is that your feet are placed on it, with your lower legs slightly off the floor.
Our Review: Pros and Cons
Immediate Effects We Felt
Immediately after starting to use it, we became conscious of correcting our posture and felt a slight warmth and muscle movement around our lower back. The big advantage is that it can be used without interrupting work, like a desk cycle. In our workplace, it was easy to continue using it, feeling like 'unconsciously touching it like a fidget spinner.'
Points to Note
A colleague complained of knee pain after 1-2 weeks and stopped using it. The cause is thought to be the setting (strap length and installation position), and it's possible that muscles not normally used were suddenly overloaded. From our experience, careful initial adjustment is important to prevent pain.
Specific Usage and Tips for Safe Setting
Basic Settings
・Adjust the chair height and Hovr strap length so that your knees are slightly bent when seated, and your feet are not completely on the floor. ・Do not force your toes to press down; place the center to the front of your sole stably. ・Start with short sessions of about 5-10 minutes a few times, and gradually extend the time if there is no pain or discomfort.
Recommended Movements (Easy Exercises You Can Do While Working)
・Gentle forward and backward swings (conscious of hip mobility) ・Side-to-side pendulum motion (stimulates muscles around the pelvis) ・Small circular movements to engage muscles in multiple directions ・Slightly lift one foot at a time to load one side (balance training)
Safety Precautions
・If you have pre-existing knee or hip joint conditions, or severe lower back pain, consult a doctor before use. ・If you experience pain or numbness, stop immediately and identify the cause. ・If you are unsure about installation, refer to the product manual or contact the distributor's support.
Cost and Selection When Considering Introduction
According to manufacturer's Japan sales information, the price is around 27,000 yen (varies depending on sales channel). It seems sturdy and durable for long-term use, but the perceived effects vary greatly among individuals. Compared to standing desks and desk cycles, it has the advantage of being 'inconspicuous and not interrupting work,' but it is realistic to temper expectations for calorie consumption or dramatic lower back pain improvement at this stage.
If considering workplace introduction, it is recommended to try it individually first, and then introduce multiple units after a short-term trial operation. It can be purchased on Amazon, etc., but it is reassuring to check the return policy and warranty before purchasing.
Summary
Hovr is an attractive gadget for those who want to incorporate the habit of 'gently moving their lower body while sitting.' From our experience, it is suitable for raising awareness of posture and light exercise around the lower back, and it is useful for habituating small exercises during desk work. However, incorrect installation or usage can put a strain on the knees and lower back, so initial adjustment is important.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.