Posted By:Lauren Wilson
Posted On:October, 01st 2008
Category: Fitness
Office Exercise 101-Burn calories while you work! Finding time to exercise, either before work or after, can be challenging for anyone with a busy schedule. Sure, you can park at the far end of the parking lot and take the stairs instead of the elevator. These are great ideas, but there's even more you can do to burn calories during your workday. Here are 10 ways to make office exercise part of your routine: 1. Make the most of your commute - walk or bike to work. 2. Look for opportunities to stand – you burn more calories standing than sitting. Eat lunch standing or trade emails and phone calls for walks to other desks or offices. 3. Take fitness breaks - rather than taking a break in the lounge with coffee or a snack, take a brisk walk around the office or do some gentle stretching. Here are some tips: Pull your chin toward your chest until you feel a stretch along the back of your neck or bring your shoulders up toward your ears. 4. Trade your office chair for a fitness ball – you will improve your balance and tone your core muscles while sitting at your desk. You can even use the fitness ball for wall squats or other exercises throughout the day. 5. Keep exercise equipment in your work area - store resistance bands or small hand weights in a desk drawer or cabinet. It is easy to do a set of arm curls between meetings or tasks. 6. Get social - organize a lunchtime walking group and hold each other accountable for regular exercise. 7. Conduct meetings on the go - when it's practical, schedule walking meetings or brainstorming sessions. Take advantage of the changing weather and move your walking meetings outside for a breath of fresh air. 8. Pick up the pace - if your job involves walking, do it faster by taking long, easy strides, and remember to breathe freely while you walk. 9. If you travel for work, plan ahead - exercise doesn't need to go by the wayside when you're traveling. Choose a hotel that has fitness facilities or take a walk through the airport while you wait for your flight. You can do jumping jacks, crunches and other simple exercises without any equipment at all. 10.Have an active mind – always think about ways to exercise and stay active. Having physical activity as a part of your daily routine will not only benefit you but it will also make your work environment a more pleasant place to be. Remember, any physical activity counts!