Find an Excuse for Exercising in between Work

Do your Exercise by Hook or Crook at Office

Hit the Office Gym after Office Hours before Going Home

Spending your day sitting around is unhealthy and risky to heart health but when most of our jobs involve sitting and working all day long, what’s the finest solution to this? Every nutritionist, dietitian and fitness experts recommend doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week but when an individual spends around 8-10 hours sitting and working, either at home or office, there is an urge to look out for practical yet effective alternatives.
​
Our brain is not a computer, it might be faster than a computer, but it does need rest unlike the desktops that can work incessantly. Its normal that we get tired, restless and anxious after a while working on our systems. Giving yourself the luxury of a short break does wonders on your mental and physical health. There are some candidates who immerse themselves in their work for hours together without break or even without lunch. If you are one of those, its recommended to set a timer to remember to move around every hour for 5 minutes or every two hours for 10 minutes. Apart from that one can also go about practicing some of the techniques given below for active movement throughout the day:

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator
2. Take up walking meetings with your colleagues which can improve your thoughts, creativity and suggestions.
3. Your colleague might be seated at the far end of the floor but instead of using the phone it is better to walk to your colleague’s desk and discuss the issue
4. Soon after lunch, it is advisable to go for a short walk which can help you focus on the forthcoming work instead of feeling sleepy and sluggish
5. Driving is fun and fast but if there are public transportations available to your office it is better to use them. Walking to and from the transit spot is a good chunk of activity done
6. Do simple exercises at your desk. Neck rotations, arm and leg stretches, squats or jumping jacks help to energize yourself and perform better at your job
7. Use every break to walk/stroll outside. It can be within your building, around it or outside on the streets too
8. While there have been many benefits attached to using  standing desk for working as well as taking calls recent research (data available at www.firsteatright.com) shows that using such desks continuously is not healthy. Standing too for a continuous period harms the health.
   
   

Companies too nowadays come up with various wellness programs and activities to keep their employees’ health in check. Some even offer such attractive corporate wellness programs that they are mentioned as a part of the employee’s salary package too. Such an initiative comes from one’s understanding of the effects of good health on company productivity and improvement. Some employers even have taken the pain to set up huge gyms and work out floors to help employees minimize travel time to exercise and reap maximized benefits inside office premises. While such acts of concern are sure to be appreciated one might also take care to ensure that not only gym enthusiasts/fitness freaks but also all workers feel comfortable to participate and start being active. The hesitation exists only until you get into the gym doors and once you get used to the routine all that remains is the eagerness to become fit and healthy.

---

Staying Active Improves Performance at Work