We’re always told how it’s important that we exercise regularly. Exercise is fantastic for overall health and wellbeing, but when you’re working in an office, sitting at a computer screen for much of the day, how can you make sure you get your daily quota of exercise, whilst you’re sitting at your desk?
Thankfully, there are several ways you can sneak in a little workout during your working day, both at your desk and away from it! If you’re keen to become more active, read on for a few ideas on how to subtly exercise whilst at work.
Walk Instead of Driving
Do you regularly drive to work? If so, cut out the carbon footprint and get your walking boots on instead! If you want to become energetic, why not cycle? If your distance to work isn’t too long, this is the ideal option to get a good workout before and after work. You could of course compromise and just walk one way, but that depends on the type of day you’ve had!
Try Some Desk Yoga
Did you know that you can do a few yoga moves whilst you’re sat at your desk? It’s true! Just search online for some useful exercises to try, but you can easily fit these in whilst you have a quick screen break. Of course, yoga is also fantastic for stretching out the body and cutting out stress, which you will certainly need when you’re working. You might also find that you have less aches and pains at the end of a long day at the computer too.
Cut Out the Lift, Take The Stairs
As you can see, exercise at work doesn’t have to be difficult! Instead of taking the lift, walk up and down the stairs instead. You’ll get yourself a work out, and during busy times, you’ll probably arrive at your destination must faster that if you stood in a queue, waiting for the lift anyway!
Go For a Lunch Break Walk
Heading outdoors during your lunch break is a great way to diffuse any stress, help focus your mind for the afternoon, and it is also a wonderful way to get some exercise. The Great Outdoors all adds to the bonus of this suggestion. So, during lunchtime, eat your food and head out for a walk around the block. You don’t need to walk too far, just enough to give you a break, focus a little more, and get your blood pumping slightly. If your workplace has an on-site gym, of course, you could cut out the walking and go for a swift workout instead!
Try Speed Walking
Want to be productive and get some exercise at the same time? Try speed walking! Not only will you get where you need to be faster, but you’ll also be getting a greater workout than if you walked slowly. If you want to push yourself a little more, buy yourself a pedometer and see how many steps you do in a day!
Do Regular Stretches
Stretching out your back and neck is a great way to relieve tension, but also to help avoid back pain from building up over the course of the day. Every time you have a break (make sure you have them regularly) and get up from that luxurious office furniture of yours, do some stretches. You don’t have to get down on the floor and stretch it out (unless you really want to), but instead just stretch your neck by moving it from side to side, reach up to the ceiling from the bottom of your back, stretch out your legs and bend your knees, circle your hips. Basically stretch your body out to give you a circulation boost, and a refreshed feeling.
Remember, your office chairs and desk should be adjustable at the very least, because not only does that help to avoid stresses and strains on your body, but it will help to add to your overall health and wellbeing. Exercise ties in with all of this! You can easily purchase a height adjustable desk, which will make life much more comfortable, or executive chairs for extra comfort still.
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Encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, in and out of the office, is vital. Do you have any other suggestions for keeping fit whilst at work?