Sometimes, we get our best technology directly from Hollywood. In many ways, today's science fiction is tomorrow's science fact; just look at how long we've been eagerly anticipating things like the hoverboard and the holodeck to hit store shelves. But sometimes, Hollywood takes a slice of technology as well, and that was spotted in the new HBO series “Silicon Valley” as the TrekDesk Treadmill Desk was featured in the recent premiere.

The TrekDesk, for those unfamiliar, is pretty much what it sounds like. It's a complete workstation, designed to be easily adjusted according to height requirements, and allowing users to basically walk through a complete work day. With some already regarding sitting as “the new smoking” due to its impact on health, the ability to essentially walk through a workday is increasingly prized, and the TrekDesk allows users to walk a treadmill while still having surface area enough to work.

This isn't TrekDesk's first appearance on television, interestingly; the device has been seen in dramatic fare like “The Good Wife,” comedies like “Weeds,” and even on “The Today Show.”

However, TrekDesk employees are reportedly referring to the appearance on “Silicon Valley” as the most appropriate of all. Essentially, TrekDesk got its start as part of the real Silicon Valley movement about five years ago, so seeing a TrekDesk appear as part of a show about the Silicon Valley movement made a particular bit of sense, according to TrekDesk Treadmill Desk CEO Steve Bordley.

Oddly, the appearance on “Silicon Valley” seems to be something of a new start for TrekDesk, as it has more appearances in the works, showing up on an as yet unnamed, but described as “one of the nation's most popular television series.”

Improvements in physical fitness at work have direct bottom-line impact, as there's often a reduction in absenteeism and healthcare costs that comes with a focus on wellness programs, and physical activity is one of the biggest components of wellness. Additionally, note the use of product placement as a marketing tool; I've long been a proponent of properly-executed product placement as an alternative to more intrusive methods of advertising, and we're seeing its value here firsthand. The arrival of the TrekDesk on more television shows is giving this product a bit of new life, and increasing the likelihood of making better sales in the process.