May 25, 2010
Should You Be Working Out at Work?
BY John Paul Narowski IN Karma One Comment
With so much stress in our day-to-day lives, it’s hard to find the time to exercise. Have you noticed a growing trend in workouts during work? Many people are taking up this new activity by burning calories while on the clock. They sit on an exercise ball so they constantly tone their abs while answering the phone, they use their breaks to exercise with resistance bands and probably run mini-marathons on their lunch breaks.
What About Us Normal Folk?
Most of us just aren’t that devoted (crazy) and have way too much stuff to do in our daily grind to give that much time to our fitness needs at work. However, sitting on our cans for 9 hours a day and not paying attention to our bodies’ needs can lead to unhealthy habits, sore bodies and generally just not feeling good. And what’s worse than being at work AND feeling awful?!
Time To Change
There are simple changes you can make at work that will help you feel more energized, motivated and all around healthier. Try these out and see how much better you feel:
- Walk: Make an effort to walk more at work. It’s easy, good for you and with a little creativity you can dramatically increase the amount you’re walking. Deliver things in person to people instead of sending emails. Use stairs instead of the elevator to sneak some extra steps in. Instead of just sitting around on break or at lunch take a walk somewhere around the office or go to the mall and walk around.
- Stretch: We’ve all found ourselves wound so tight we think our neck muscles are turning to rock. Sitting and staring at a computer for hours on end isn’t natural and our bodies know it. Set an alarm to remind yourself to get up once and hour and stretch. If you’re completely desk bound grab the bottom of your chair with your left arm and bend your head to the right. Do the same for the other side and your neck will feel brand new!
- Watch the Inputs: If you’re slamming coffee every hour, then you’re setting yourself up to feel like you got hit by a truck later that day. Avoid that caffeine as much as possible and stay away from the sugar in the vending machine as well. Drink water instead and snack on fruit or veggies and you’ll find your body and mind feel a lot better.
- Sit up Straight: Having proper posture goes a long way to making you feel a lot better at work. If back problems become a recurring problem at your office, look into the possibility of back supports or monthly massage visits.
You don’t need to be the super person in the office to take a few minutes everyday to tend to your physical well being. Work sucks already; there is no reason to make it worse by also being in physical pain as well.
Follow these simple steps and getting through the next marathon day will be a breeze!
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