Tips to Add Some Exercise at Work

If there’s one thing I know it’s not too much sitting is a direct recipe for gaining weight. I learned this the hard way when I went from a lot of activity to sitting and blogging as a full-time job. I sat for 8-10 hours per day for about five years and it seriously took a toll on my body. I am still working off the results of that mistake.

However, not all is lost. A mistake is something you learn from and what I learned is my body needs activity on a daily basis. So now I incorporate some sort of movement and exercise at work and throughout my workday.

If you have been following me for a while then you know that I stand for many hours a day at my standing desk now during my work at home. I am also an instructor at my community college and I make sure that I stand and walk during all of the time I’m in my classroom. I also encourage my students to stand up and take breaks too.

Sometimes we forget how long we’re sitting at a computer. Until those aches and pains start getting to us that force us to remember to take a break. But there are some ways we can get around that issue.

Tips to Add Some Exercise at Work

Set an alarm each hour. When the alarm goes off stand up and do some simple stretches with your body, neck, arms, and hands. Get that blood flowing again.
On your breaks instead of hitting the break room, take a walk around the parking lot or around the block. It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be refreshing and enough to get your blood moving.
At lunch before you sit down to eat, take another quick walk or jog around the building and parking lot. Leave yourself 20-30 minutes to eat and visit with colleagues.
Another great tool you can use is a simple pair of 6 inch exercise bands that you can stash in your desk drawer. You can use these on your arms and legs, even while sitting at your desk. Building muscle while working is a great concept!
Also using a standing desk helps burn calories and keeps your muscles engaged. That means more brainpower and I find myself more focused too, which means I get my work done quicker. YAY!

It’s not hard to get in some exercise at work, but you have to be diligent and make yourself get up and do it. I know better now and I hope this post inspires you.