PRODUCTS

Tables
Keyboard trays
Mouse bridges

If you sit longer than one hour and are not aware of time passing, a program or timer to remind you to take a microbreak every 30 minutes is important to prevent muscle strain. You must move at least once an hour to keep oxygen flowing to your soft tissues.

Watches and digital timers are the least expensive break timers available! If your watch has a "countdown and repeat" function, you can set it to "beep" every 15 minutes or so to remind you to take a break. (Note: Timex watches are the only ones we are aware of that have this feature, but others may, also.)

RSI Guard, $65 (with stretch breaks) Purchase from www.rsiguard.com. This is a highly intelligent program that monitors your activity on the computer and adjusts rest breaks according to the duration and intensity of your workload. Programmable to introduce microbreaks with helpful tips and stretch breaks based on individual needs, auto-click the mouse (saving thousands of clicks), gathers statistics on mouse vs. keyboard useage.
Workrave Freeware. Microbreak reminder and a rest reminder that you can program to the frequency and length you want. Workrave gathers statistics on your computer activity. Available for Windows and GNU/Linux.
Kensington Rest Reminder is part of the mouse or trackball software. Download your input device software free from the Kensington website. Kensington This software is just a simple visual or audible reminder to take a break. The user can set the time interval between reminders. The visual reminder can interfere with some program applications, but it is generally possible to use an audible reminder which doesn't seem to interfere. You can't beat the price of this software! Kensington

FREE! Gently reminds you to take breaks and microbreaks. Breaks are fully configurable. You can even program it to play a piece of music (pausing iTunes). A version for Leopard will be available in fall 2009.

$44.95. Yoga-based stretches with customizable music sound files or an optional "time-to-stretch" reminder instead of the animated stretches. 36 stretches with 6 standing stretches. Breaks are based on keyboard and mouse use. Total control over the sequence of stretches that appear.

$49.95 Basic version. Monitors use of keyboard and mouse time and provides exercises for just the hands, arms, and wrists. Exercise manager allows modification of stretch program.

$79.95 Deluxe version. Does everything the Basic version does, but also provides exercises for the neck, shoulders, and back, records computer activity in a log file, and allows the addition of plug-in exercises. Available for Windows only.

Monitors keyboard and mouse use and suggests appropriate times for breaks and micro-pauses. Provides stretches, ergonomic information, and helps you recover if you are suffering from symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries. Yes! It's for the Macintosh!