Exercise is good for your body, mind, and overall well-being. However, not everyone has the time to squeeze in an hour at the gym every day. Recent studies show that employees who spend 2 or more hours a week being physically active are more satisfied with the quantity and quality of their work. Here are some tips on how to squeeze in a little exercises throughout the workday.
Stair Master
Now this doesn't apply to every office, but for those with stairs at the workplace this is an easy way to get a quick burst of energy into your workday. Skip the elevator and use the stairs. Really want to feel the burn? Accelerate your pace or take two at a time every other flight.
Walkin' on Lunchtime
Use that lunch break to take a walk around the office. Better yet, if it's nice out go outside and soak in some Vitamin D. Whether it's an hour or just 15 minutes, getting your body moving will not only provide you with some great health benefits, but will help to relax the mind as well.
Water Cooler Wall-Sit
When you need to fill up at the water cooler, take a minute to do a quick wall sit. This is a simple way to get a little burn in your buns and help alleviate some of the strain from sitting all day. Stand with your back against a wall. Walk your feet forward as you slide your back down the wall, bending your knees up to 90 degrees. Hold for one minute.
Sit up Straight
Perfect posture is a must for long days at the desk. Practice safe desk ergonomics by adjusting the chair height to make sure the feet, hips, and arms are at 90-degree angles to the floor. Engage the core to keep the back straight throughout the day. No more slouching!
Desk Chair Stretches
Even with the perfect posture, sitting at a desk all day can put a strain on your body. Get a good stretch in every once and a while. Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Hold the back of the chair with one hand and put the other hand on the outside of the opposite knee. Twist your torso in the direction of your hands.
By using work time for exercise, you can improve you work-life balance because your workout time isn't squeezed into already busy personal/family time.
What are some ways you fit exercise into your busy work schedule?