Available for Windows, DOS and Macintosh, ExerciseBreak software lets a person design a custom, on-line exercise program by scheduling regular breaks at their desk, and selecting from more than 50 routines to stretch specific muscle groups. The user can also decide how long to do each exercise.
More than 70 anatomical illustrations - many in animated sequences - demonstrate proper stretching techniques to assure that the exercise is beneficial. Clear instructions and graphics guide the user through each exercise step by step.
ExerciseBreak was designed by healthcare professionals and focuses on the body parts subject to stress at desk work - back, neck, shoulders, wrists, hands, arms, face and legs. In addition, there are relaxation and quick, general exercises. The goal is to help the users reduce stress, prevent fatigue, improve blood circulation, and, therefore, increase productivity.
Simple to install and use, ExerciseBreak takes very little memory and runs in the background of your PC or Macintosh. The program is unobtrusive; if you don't want to exercise now, cancel ExerciseBreak with the touch of a key.
Dr. Benjamin E. Lesin, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Encino, CA says, "ExerciseBreak is good for dedicated computer users who want to reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries." James E. Wright, Ph.D., Exercise Physiologist and Editor, Muscle & Fitness Magazine says, "ExerciseBreak intelligently presents a selection of effective exercises to help you keep a fit body working with a fit mind." Michael G. Samet, Ph.D., Interactive Multimedia Designer, Award Winner-Human Factors Society says, "ExerciseBreak is scientifically and ergonomically designed; it may replace the coffee break in enhancing productivity in the computer workplace."
Windows Magazine says, "A simple and straightforward program that may be just what you need to remind you to take a break and relax." The Seybold Report on Desktop Publishing says, We laud Hopkins for the innovative ideas and useful information presented in ExerciseBreak."
The Gordon Report-Telecommuting Review says, "The program is simple to install and use and the manual is clear and well-written. What I like best about ExerciseBreak is that it isn't intrusive or abusive and there's nothing cutesy about it. The best indication of the quality is how I felt after using it, which was refreshed, relaxed, and ready to get back to work."
In addition to exercises, ExerciseBreak provides proper ergonomic posture illustrations from the Miller Institute, New York City, and a checklist that shows how to set-up a work area to minimize the risk of repetitive-motion injury. The checklist includes instructions about correct posture and placement of chair, keyboard, monitor and work materials.
Another ExerciseBreak feature of the Windows and Macintosh versions counts keystrokes and presents graphic charts of minute-by-minute activity, and it provides a warning when keystroke activity exceeds a stressful level.
The Windows and Macintosh versions have a detailed users guide and comprehensive on-line help files. But the program is so intuitive, a user probably won't need them.
Site licencing is available. Delivered on 3 1/2" diskette. Requires Windows (a Macintosh version is also available).
