Not too long ago, standing desks were all the rage in the workplace. Now, research is showing that a standing desk may not be any better for your health than a sitting one. OK, so what if you don't even have a standing desk? Or, what if you just want to add some workout variety into your workday? Behold, these inventive options. 

Did you know that there are strengthening moves to do at your desk which can improve your overall well-being? Are they extra? Definitely. But they also give a way for you to move your body during the day while still getting it done, sis. 

Below, you'll find some exercises designed to keep you in shape and help calm your mind when you need it most.

First, you should try out some stretches:

the Rubber Neck

Sit up tall and drop your right ear down towards your right shoulder (doesn’t have to touch fully) and hold for a few seconds and repeat on the other side.

Reach for the Stars

Interlock your fingers and reach up toward the ceiling as high as you can, keeping palms face up. 

Look Around

Turn your head the right and try and look over your shoulder and hold for a few seconds, then repeat on the right. 

Now, on to the workouts:

Push-Ups

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Now, before you panic at the thought of even touching the floor in your office, don't fret. There are options, I promise. Try and modify this move by using either the wall or the edge of your desk. Ten reps. Three times. 

Squats

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This one is pretty self-explanatory. Stand up from your chair, relax back down and repeat approximately ten more times. Sounds easy enough, right? 

Tricep Dips

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This is a move that can be done pretty much anywhere, anytime. You can even use your desk or your chair if it doesn’t have wheels on it. Make sure hands are shoulder-width apart on a flat surface, then move to the front with your legs extended. Straighten those arms, keeping a little bend in your elbows to keep tension on your triceps and then lift off your elbow joints.

Calf Raises

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Everyone knows this simple move. Stand behind a chair and grab it if you need some support. Raise your heels off the floor until you are standing on your toes. Slowly lower yourself back to level. Do three sets of 10.

Wall Sit

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This is another excellent isometric move. Stand firm with your back against the wall and slowly lower yourself into a seated position and hold for 10–30 seconds at a time.

lunges

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You can keep this move stationary, or if you're feeling brave, you can lunge down the hall to the copier and back. Move one leg in front of the other, gently lower the knee of your back leg down towards the ground. Do this ten times on each leg. Then, repeat on the other side. 


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