Twenty-four hours seems like a lot of time, but when you couple that time with the amount of time you spend at work, socializing, taking care of kids, and commuting, it’s really not enough time. Unless you’re super dedicated to taking time out of each day to exercise, it’s almost impossible to find the time to stay healthy and active.
And waking up early or after work to exercise? Forget it. I know all I want to do after a hard day of work is change into my comfy clothes, plop down on the couch, and relax. If you’re like me and find it hard to make time for exercise, check out these simple activities you can do to make sure you’re staying healthy, even when you’re stuck in an office for eight hours a day!
1. Park further away from your office
Do you usually try to get that coveted parking spot, and park right next to the office doors? Try parking all the way at the other end of your building’s parking lot. You’ll get at least a little bit of walking in when you go to and from your vehicle.
2. Sit up straight at your desk
If you have a problem with slouching at your desk, whether it’s from an uncomfortable chair or just all around poor posture, try to remember to sit up straight at your desk. This helps reduce the stress on your back muscles and spine.
3. Get a stability ball or standing desk
Is sitting up straight failing to do the trick? Get a stability ball! These big, inflatable exercise balls are perfect for improving posture. And if that’s not your thing, try a standing desk. Research proves that standing up is an overall healthier way to work.
4. Get up and walk around the office every hour
You’re going to be taking bathroom breaks anyway, why not take the long way around the office back to your desk? Getting up and moving every hour is essential to combatting a sedentary job.
5. Take the stairs, rather than the elevator
This might only apply to those working in a multi-floor office building, but it’s alway better to get the heart pumping and lungs working harder by taking the stairs.
6. Do some stretching
Sitting down for so long each day really makes your muscles tighten up. Get loose, and do some stretching whenever you get the chance. Just some simple toe touches or arm circles do wonders for a tense body.
7. Walk to someone’s office instead of emailing or calling
I know how easy it is to just send a quick email, or pick up your phone to call someone, but why not get up and go visit their office every so often? Plus, face-to-face interactions are often better for good communication, as you’re able to read someone’s body language along with what they’re saying to you.
8. Raise your legs and hold them up for a few seconds while sitting
This might sound a bit funny, but raising your legs to a 90-degree angle from your waist, and holding it there for at least 15 seconds, is a quick way to get some leg work in!
9. For the really active, get a treadmill desk!
Treadmill desks are another unique office health trend that’s been popping up recently. Walking (or running, for the extreme exercisers) while working on your computer really gets your blood flowing!
10. Geat A Stationary bike
Another option for those who really want to exercise while at the office, you can get a stationary bike to pedal while you type away and answer emails!
11. Do pushups
At lunch, or during times when you have a little break, do a few pushups next to your desk. Your co-workers might look at you like your crazy, but the health benefits are worth a few strange looks.
12. Try Yoga
This is a great option for those who want to spend some of their lunch break working out, but don’t want to get too sweaty. Bring your yoga mat to work, and stretch it out!
13. Take half of your lunch break and do a quick workout at the gym
Lots of people choose to spend half of their lunch break doing a quick 15 to 30-minute workout at a nearby gym. Keep in mind, however, that your co-workers will have to smell you when you get through, so always bring a change of clothes and some extra deodorant!
14. Bike or run to work, if you’re close enough
Finally, if you live close by your office, you can choose to bike or run to work instead of commuting through annoying rush hour traffic. Again, bring extra clothes to change into when you get there. Otherwise, you’ll end up smelling like a locker room (and probably looking like one, too).
There are tons of small ways you can sneak in a workout while at the office, and these are just a few of them! Find out which ones work best for you and your schedule, and maybe invent some of your own along the way!
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