7 Sneaky Ways to Get Fit at the Office
Working a desk job all day long is unlikely to make you a poster girl for health and fitness. Sitting at a desk for eight hours a day is probably the worst thing you do can in terms of your health, which is why obesity has become such a problem in recent decades. Thirty or forty years ago, most people were active all day long. Now, the majority of people spend their working lives sitting down, basically being sedentary. It’s not good!
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve your fitness levels if you have a desk job, so read on for a bit of helpful advice.
Hit the Gym
This one’s obvious really, but it may not occur to you if you don’t already frequent a gym. Instead of hitting a gym on the way home, join a gym local to your workplace. You can visit during your lunch hour while everyone else is looking at Bingo fashion on their smartphone – and burn off those calorific donuts Carol from Accounts keeps bringing in!
Work Standing Up
Standing up for long periods burns a lot more calories than sitting down. It’s also good for your legs, glutes, and core muscles. Of course it isn’t easy to type at a keyboard when you are stood up, so ask your boss to invest in a stand-up desk or conduct meetings from a standing position at the front of the room.
Lunchtime Walks
Going for a walk at lunchtime is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Check out the best routes before you head out the door and make sure you wear suitable footwear. Walk briskly and aim to be out for at least 20 minutes.
Create an Exercise Corner
Ask your boss if you can set up a fitness corner somewhere quiet. All you need is a static exercise bike or an elliptical trainer. Everyone can use it when they have a spare 20 minutes. You can exercise for charity – take it in turns to cycle for your favourite cause.
Wear a Fitness Band
Wear a fitness band to the office and track your steps. It’s highly addictive once you start measuring how many steps you take each day. You can try and increase your step count by walking up and down stairs instead of taking the lift.
Ditch the Car
Your fitness levels will improve drastically if you leave the car at home and cycle or walk to work. Obviously this won’t work if the office is 50 miles away, but try parking a mile away and walking the final stretch. Or jog there, if you feel energetic.
Quit Email and Messenger
Instead of relying on email and instant messenger to talk to colleagues, get up and say it in person. It’s better for you and your communication skills will also benefit.
Make fitness your priority. Your productivity will enjoy a boost and your mental health will improve.
