At this point, it’s common knowledge that the average American doesn’t get enough exercise. Everybody wants to be more active, but what are your options when you’re at a desk all day? Hopefully you’re already spending a portion of your day working at a standing desk and that’s helping to partially satisfy your desire to do something other than sit. Perhaps you’re even lucky enough to be the proud owner of an ergonomic desk and it’s improving your productivity. But maybe you just need a little something extra that you can do while you’re already at work and you’re crunched for time. Here are five of our favorite ways to get a bit of exercise in when you can’t get away from the office.
Sure, taking the elevator is the easier option, but if you have stairs in your building and you aren’t using them you should really start. Instead of sending an email, walk to your colleague’s office and chat. Use the microwave on the second floor instead of the one near your office.
It doesn’t have to be a marathon walk by any means, but just taking a little stroll during the day can do a great deal for your health and give your mind a much-needed break. If you know there’s a new co-worker down the hall, take a walk over and introduce yourself. If it’s nice outside, make the short trek around the building. Find a fellow employee who is ready for a break as well and you can make it a group activity.
If you find yourself standing around at some point in the day, an inconspicuous exercise that works perfectly in that situation is the calf raise. Simply press up onto the tips of your toes, hold at the top, and then release. Doing these throughout the day is easy and gives your body nice little stretch.
Try curling your water bottle.
Okay, this one sounds a little strange, but hear us out. If you can work in ten or fifteen reps a couple of times during the day you’ll be feeling stronger in no time! Grab your water bottle, bend your elbow, and bring it up towards your chest. It’s just like doing a curl with a dumbbell, but it looks a little less awkward in the office if you use your water bottle.
This one is easy to do if you’ve got a lengthy email to read or some research do to. All you have to do is raise your shoulders up towards your ears, hold that position, and then let go. Try doing a dozen reps a few times a day.
At Applied Ergonomics, we know that it’s important to feel good while you’re working. Chiropractors and physicians regularly send their patients our way for help finding ergonomic office equipment. Supplementing your ergonomic work station with a little exercise is never a bad thing. If you have questions about our office furniture and accessories or our services, and want to increase your workplace efficiency, contact us today.
Check out 5 more exercises to do at work.