5 Ways To Stay Active At Work
Staying active throughout the day can counteract the damage that you may be doing to your body. Working out a few times a week is not enough to balance out the amount of time you are sitting inactive at your desk. Inactivity leads to obesity which is the fourth biggest killer among Americans.
Sitting at work for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health.
Sitting at your desk all day can cause the following health problems:
- The pancreas will produce more insulin leading to diabetes.
- Your blood flows slower causing your muscles to burn less fat running the risk of fatty acids clogging your heart.
- Digestion issues
- Poor posture
- Hip and back problems
- Increased stress levels
- Decreases productivity and energy
Increasing your activity at work will improve your mindset and energy. Here are the top 5 ways you can stay active at your desk job to better sustain your health:
Use A Stand-Up Desk
A standing or adjustable desk allows you to work while standing. This will improve your posture and increase blood circulation. Slowly build up to a full day of standing. Standing rather than sitting, can prevent shoulder and back pain. There are standing desks that can be custom made, or you can create your own by merely elevating your computer. Standing desks are starting to become just as popular as conventional desks.
Sit On An Exercise Ball
Using an exercise ball or yoga ball in place of a chair will engage your back and abdominal muscles. When the core is engaged, you will burn more calories than you would sitting on a traditional office chair. A strong core will help maintain good posture. It can also strengthen your leg muscles when you are attempting to balance.
Use Exercise Equipment At Your Desk
Bring ankle weights to work so you can discreetly perform leg lifts under your desk. Do a few reps of leg raises each hour to burn calories and tone your calves and thighs. You can also find a mini exercise bike that will fit under almost any desk. Many can switch from low impact to high impact for strength and toning.
Take A Walk
If you have a scheduled conference call or meeting, use your Bluetooth and walk outside. You’re most likely to become distracted with your session that you won’t realize how many miles you’ve walked.
Take Advantage Of Your Lunch Break
Sign up for a gym membership at a fitness center near your office. Many offer quick 30-minute exercise classes making it convenient when short on time. A short calisthenics workout will increase your productivity and happiness levels. Studies have shown that those who performed a 30-60 minute workout on their lunch break had a performance boost of 15%. It can also improve mental performance and the ability to meet deadlines. Working out during your lunch can prevent the afternoon energy slump.
