Kinetic Computing

Get Fit While Programming and Alleviate Exercise Monotony

Mike Riley
The Pragmatic Programmers

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https://pragprog.com/newsletter/

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.

My ride

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.

Looking down from the seat

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.

Ready to ride

🚲 Coding on the go has never been healthier!

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.

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