Workout Your Workday With These 7 Easy Office Activities

These days life runs at a dizzying pace.

The daily dance to and from school, work babysitter, daycare, dinner, chores, and remembering to breathe at the end of the day leaves precious little time for anything else during the week.

We would love to have time for a workout, but for many of us, it is just not possible.

Fortunately, being at our desks does not have to mean stiff muscles, poor circulation, and a foggy brain. Here are seven things you can try today to help you stay active at work.

Stretching Your Body

Everyone knows how amazing a huge stretch can make you feel. Your blood flows better, your muscles relax, and your brain clears for a moment.

There is no reason why you can’t have that feeling at your desk. Sitting up straight, clasp your hands over your head, stomach muscles tight, and bending at the waist, stretch from left to right as far as you can. Breathe in when your hands are over your head, breathe out on each side stretch. Repeat five to ten times. You will be amazed at how much better this will make you feel.

Walk around

Taking five minutes every hour to walk somewhere will increase your blood flow, and the break will help you focus when you return to your desk.

Walk to the water cooler, bathroom, or just take a turn around the office. You will feel the stress and tension melt away.

Calve Raises

One of the biggest problems with sitting at a desk for long periods of time is poor circulation. How many times have you felt the tingle of a foot asleep?

You can’t nap, so your feet should not be either.

Fit Tip: Sitting at a Desk by FitMomTVTry a calve raising exercise to increase blood flow to your feet. Sitting straight, feet flat on the floor, roll your feet forward until you have only your toes on the floor and you feel a slight pull in your calves.

Roll back to the flat position, then roll back, lifting your toes. You will feel the pull in the Achilles Tendon this time. Some recommend a repetition of only 20 times, but you can do it as much as you are comfortable with depending on your fitness level. Tingling feet is a good sign. This means the blood is circulating perfectly.

Pedal Away with an Under Desk Cycle

Mini under desk cycles are a blessing to a desk-bound office worker. Simply pedals on a stand, this gadget allows you to reap the lower body benefits of cycling while sitting.

Fitting discretely under your desk, you can pedal your way to leg and buttock shaping any time you please. – Read our full buying guide for the best ones here

Lunch pitfalls

Lunchtime is the enemy. Making healthier choices is crucial to your physical well-being.

 

Avoid the lunchroom doughnut buffet and pack your own lunch instead.

A salad, vegetable and fruit slices, and nuts are much better than the sugar spike lurking in the next room. Sitting outside and getting some fresh air while you eat will aid in digestion and rejuvenation.

Hand Grip Strengthener

You have seen them. Those spring loaded grippers that you squeeze to improve your grip. Well, there is another benefit to these tools.

When you have been typing for quite some time, you may notice your hands becoming stiff and your fingers trying to freeze in the keyboard claw position. Using a gripper for a few minutes per hour will keep your fingers flexible and may even help you fight the symptoms of carpel tunnel.

They work not only your fingers but your wrists as well, preventing the stationary, repetitive motions that contribute to the condition.

Walk, Don’t Write

Many times during the day you will receive an in-office email that needs to be answered. This is an excellent opportunity to put a bit more activity in your day. Get up and walk to that person’s office instead of emailing back from your desk. Besides the health benefits, you also have face-time with this person to clear up any questions that may arise.

As you can see, there are several ways for us to stay active and healthy, even at work. Do you have any other ideas? If so, please comment below and share your thoughts with us.