How to exercise at your desk
When working that 9 to 5 job, it’s hard to remember to get up and move since most of us our in meeting madness and drowning into our to-do lists. I thought it might be helpful to look at how to exercise at your desk in order to stay more active throughout the day.
The phrase has been cleverly coined as deskercise! It’s easy to come to work and forget about moving our bodies, but the truth is our bodies were designed to move. Being in a seated position or stuck in a conference room for 8-10+ hours a day can really impact out fitness goals especially if we aren’t already scheduling some time pre or post work.
Here are a few tips to add more focused movement into your day especially if you have a seated desk job.
- The High Rise Balance Ball Stool by Gaiam is a great tool for those with standing or adjustable desks. Too much standing can be just as bad as sitting all day if you don’t have the correct posture. This beauty gives those with standing desks a break while still engaging core muscles.
- If you are working in front of your computer (especially at night), I recommend (and use!) Swannies glasses to help block blue light from devices. It alleviates eye sensitivity, eye strain and can even help you sleep better at night.
- Do leg extension, raises and marches while sitting at your desk. Stealth mode!
- Use your desk to do push-ups or assisted planks for arm and core strength.
- Bring in exercise resistance bands so you can stretch throughout the day.
- I also recommend keeping a tennis ball handy at the office. It’s great to roll under your foot especially if you have plantar fasciitis issues. You can also use it on your back against the wall to help release tension in your back. Think of it as DIY trigger-pressure massage.
- Ankle weights are great to keep at your desk. You may look a little silly when walking around the office with your ankle weights, but you will definitely feel the results!
- Instead of sending that email, get up and walk to your coworkers desk to ask your question. It will get you up and moving with the added bonus of in-real-life (IRL) interaction.
- Bring small hand weights so you can do arm curls and extensions while you are on your wireless headset.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Ladies, take a change in shoes so you don’t get blisters on your feet from those sassy, swanky heels!
I could go on and on with tips like these, but I think you get the idea. Bringing movement into your day allows you to be more focused and productive throughout your day. You can even schedule mini breaks on your calendar to do these exercises, get up and move or even something simple as drinking more water. Let technology work for you so you can exercise and stay fit at work!
What do you do to stay active at work (especially if you don’t have access to an office gym)?
Photo Credit: Cyril Saulnier on Unsplash