Many of us have trouble finding time to exercise due to our schedules. If your job involves physical activity, good for you, and you can probably stop reading. However, many people have office jobs in which they sit at a computer all day long or go from meeting to meeting - sitting in each one of them. They’re so happy to get home in the evening after a tiring workday, and the last thing they want to think about is exercise (that’s not to say that physically demanding jobs aren’t tiring but just that thinking about exercise afterwards isn’t as necessary).
This week’s fitness tip is more like a challenge. I challenge you to find a way to exercise during the workday. No, I’m not talking about sneaking off to the gym while your co-workers are in a post-lunch number-crunching marathon. I’m talking about integrating movement into your regular day wherever (and whether or not) you work. This is especially important in these increasingly cool months when people are less likely to move around.
Consider some of these ideas to get you started:
~ walk during brainstorming sessions or meetings when you have the option
~ take a walk with a co-worker during your lunch break and eat your lunch once you’re back at your desk (and remember, walks don’t have to be far or outside)
~ read some work materials on a stationary bicycle
~ leave home earlier and walk to work if distance allows; this can be a great way to mentally prepare for the work day and to avoid the stress and cost of driving and parking
~ always go to the bathroom on another floor of your building and take the stairs to get there
Be creative! How does your job allow you to integrate some movement into your day? Anything you can come up with is fantastic progress! If you work at a desk and it is hard to get away, try taking off your shoes and making circles with your feet or even write the ABCs. Walk to a further restaurant, store or food stand to grab lunch.
There are so many great ideas - it’s just a matter of coming up with things that work for you!
Check out this week’s other great tips.
Andrew is a Certified Personal Trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He teaches people to listen to their bodies and helps them thrive as they find the connection between health and happiness.
If you are interested in a free fitness consultation, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and he will be delighted to teach you how to start enjoying fitness and making it a part of your life.
