Sitting is the New Smoking – Humans are Meant to MOVE!
Yep, you read that right: research studies suggest that sitting for long periods of time without movement is as bad for our bodies as smoking!
That might seem extreme, but consider this: human beings were meant to move. Our bodies are designed to run, jump, lift, squat, swim and do all kinds of movements that we just don’t do on a regular basis anymore (especially since many of us are working from home!).
Many of us find ourselves in sedentary jobs that require us to sit for long periods of time. That sitting only makes us more tired and lethargic. Ever noticed how, after a long day at work, all you want to do is go home and crash on the sofa even though you barely moved all day? Sitting begets sitting.
If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, try these quick tips to get your body moving again.
Read below for 4 Simple Ways to Stay Active at Work.
Walk Don’t Type
Unfortunately, email has made us more sedentary than we need to be. Rather than sending an email to your co-worker, take the time to walk to his or her office and have a chat. This small amount of movement will do your body good and it’s always nicer to connect in person than through your keyboard. If you’re working at home, walk around while you’re on phone calls.
Get a Standing Desk (or Bike Desk!)
If you’ve got a little money to invest in your home office, I highly recommend either a standing desk, riser that converts from standing to sitting (so you can switch back and forth), or a bike desk. Changing positions throughout the day can be SO helpful in cutting down the amount of time you’re sitting and also increase your energy level. This is especially helpful first thing in the morning and during that afternoon slump.
Split Up Your Cardio
Studies have shown that doing one 30-minute chunk of cardio exercise is just as effective as doing two 15-minute chunks of cardio. Good news! No more plodding along on the treadmill for what feels like forever!
This means that if you have a 30-minute lunch break, you can spend 15 minutes going for a walk and do another 15 minutes after work. Voila. You’ve got your cardio in for the day.
This is especially great, because you don’t have to go to the gym and get all sweaty during your lunch break. It’s just about moving your body.
Do Some Desk Exercise
Even small things make a huge difference. When you’ve been sitting for an hour, stand up and do 10 squats at your desk. If you’re working from home and you spend your day on the phone, no one’s going to see you if you stop and do 10 squats in between calls!
Jumping jacks, push-ups, squats and triceps dips are all simple exercises you can do right at your desk. Do 10 of each and you’ll be feeling pretty darn energized! Be sure to set a timer every hour so you remember to keep moving. You can even set timers on your phone that are recurring so you don’t have to remember to set them every day.
It’s really about taking care of your body and making sure that you don’t let things get too stagnant. Remember, the more you move, the more you’ll want to move because success breeds success.
I hope these 4 Tips to Stay Active at a Desk Job were helpful. It’s time to get out there and get moving….