Does endless time running, biking, or working on the elliptical machine bore you? Trying to lose those last pounds and struggling to do so? Sharper Image has the perfect way to lose those pounds and conquer the inevitable boredom.

I work out five times a week and must admit that I do get bored. There are days where I find it is a real drag to get myself to the gym. I dread the time spent on the elliptical machine and I am fortunate enough to have a personal TV with headphones. How do you get past this to lose the pounds and make the gains that you desire?

How about a bicycle you can take to work? Sounds slightly silly or unrealistic? Well, it is not either. The Sharper Image Portable Mini Cycle is about as easy to transport as your briefcase. I brought mine to the office via the Philadelphia train system- a packed, hot, and always late system. Yes, I took a bike to work during peak transit times and paid nothing more than usual without inconveniencing a soul. The Mini Cycle is small enough and weighs so little than you can do the same.

Ok, so I got it to work and now can mix the boredom of work with the boredom of working out. Now what? Well, it is time to work out at work. Why not? For years men have utilized the squeeze tool to build wrist and hand strength. Some people walk at lunch. Others will fidget in order to burn a few calories. The Mini Cycle conquers both.

Simply set the "Mini" up on the floor and ride away. Setting the Mini up takes no time and once it is set up you are ready to go. Simply program the computer and off you go. The computer set up is simple and it will display most of the readings you would find at the gym (Calories burned, distance, speed, time, etc.) in order to gauge your workout.

Yes, you can use the Mini without disturbing anyone near you. The Mini is surprisingly quiet- others will hardly even notice that you are using it.

The way I use the Mini is similar to this: In the morning I will ride at a normal walking pace for 30- 45 minutes and go about two miles. In the afternoon, I do a similar routine and end up covering another two miles. Now I do not know how many calories you burn in four miles of walking, but I know it is more than you burn while sitting still at your desk. Hence, the importance and usefulness of the Mini. You can burn calories while sitting down and working; both times when you would usually not be burning much in the way of calories.

A few cautions:

1. Purchase a small fan. Most buildings are kept around 70 degrees- not bad without humidity and a breeze. Without a fan you will have both. Granted, I am known to sweat like an Alaskan in the Carribean, but it did not take long to know that I should purchase a fan. Riding at the pace that I do does not build up a great sweat, but can result in the occasional perspiration.

2. Prepare to look silly. Yes, your co- workers will look at you and wonder what in the world you are doing. Who cares? You are working to reach a goal. Get in a portion of your workout before the gym. Combat boredom (Do not mention this to boss). Lose weight. Lose weight in a situation that previously would never be possible. Deal with the odd looks, but expect them.

3. Do not offend co- workers. While the Mini is quiet enough to use while at work, if you try to go full speed you are inevitably going to make some noise. Keep it to no more than a brisk walk- pace while at work. Also, remember your deodorant. Like I said, you will not work up a sweat, but it does not take a drenching sweat to work up a stench reminiscent of a dead onion.

So, after the benefits and the cautions, should you buy the Mini? A resounding yes is the answer. The Mini is not just for work. I could use mine at home while writing boring epinions like this one. While watching TV. Heck, even while on the throne. However, I choose to use it at work. The benefit is simple; lose weight while in a situation where you typically would be stationary and not losing anything. Think about the benefits of working off 25 calories an hour (For arguments sake, what you work off while sitting for an hour and what you may work off with the Mini.) versus working off 75 calories and hour with the Mini. I have no idea what the numbers are (I do not trust the calorie counters on any machine. If 30 minutes of a hard ellliptical workout can burn off 600 calories, well, I would be 150 lbs by now.), but I know you work off significantly more calories by going at a walking pace versus sitting.

I would purchase it again without a second thought.

Recommended: Yes