If you're stuck at a desk all day, it can be hard to be physically active and promote a healthy lifestyle. This can be even more difficult if you don't have the time to exercise outside of work due to a tight, chaotic schedule.
Luckily, you can use some of the time you spend at work to get active, killing two birds with one stone. Here's how.
3 Ways to Get Your Exercise On While At Work
1. UTILIZE YOUR LUNCH BREAK
Use part of your lunch break to get that much-needed exercise. Change into some casual clothes and go for a lunchtime power walk or a full workout. Consider joining a lunchtime exercise group for walks, yoga, aerobics, and other fitness activities. If you're not feeling very motivated, listen to some music.
Studies show that people who listen to music walk longer than those who don't.
2. CONDUCT "WALK AND TALK" MEETINGS
You sit down enough during normal work hours, so it's not ideal to have sedentary meetings on top of that. Walking and talking is a great way to stay active and get things done in meetings. Not only does walking during meetings help you stay active, but they can also help you become more creative on your job, according to a Harvard Business Review article.
3. TAKE ACTIVE CARDIO BREAKS
If you can't find the time to workout during lunch break or your boss is against walk and talk meetings, don't worry. You can still be physically active on the job by taking breaks to stretch or deskercise. Deskercises are simply exercises that you can do at your desk.
For example, bottom line lifter is a great exercise you can perform while you're stuck on the phone. Just stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and shift your weight to your left leg.
Then, lift your right leg behind you, holding on to the desk for support. Circle your left leg clockwise and counter-clockwise 25 times each. Switch legs.
While it may seem like being active at work is impossible, you just have to be creative and find solutions that work for your own unique situation.