If you work at a desk all day, you probably know how hard it is to stay in shape if you sit stationary all day. It is hard to be fit when you barely move at all for 8 hours a day. There are tons of different things to help with this problem, both big and small changes, that can really improve your overall health from the seat of your desk.
Adjustable desks
Adjustable desks have become very popular in recent years, particularly with younger workers. They are basically desks that can go up and down with the push of a button. They can go all the way up to around 6 feet high so you can stand at your desk and work as if you were sitting. Even standing and doing nothing is better than sitting. It will get your blood flowing and is proven to help with concentration. Adjustable desks can be a little pricey, but are worth it in the long run.
Desk Treadmills
Desk treadmills are a little pricier and sometimes can be extreme ways to work out at your desk, but will really get the job done. There are treadmill desks that adjust in the same way adjustable ones do while also having a treadmill at your feet. You can walk at what ever pace you choose, even run, while working. It is great to use for an hour here or an hour there, but you will need a real desk as well unless you plan on staying on the treadmill all day.
Desk Cycles
Desk cycles are a cheaper and more practical alternative to the treadmills, but still have great fitness benefits. Desk cycles are easier to store than desk treadmills and allow you to not change around your desk set up. They easily fit under a desk and are great to use here and there all day. Desk cycles can start as low as $30, so even if yours won’t get a ton of use, it will serve as a convenient foot rest. You can see more desk cycle options here https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=desk+cycle.
Other Exercises
You can do a ton of different exercises at your desk to help you stay in shape. Any motion is typically better than just sitting stationary all day. Something as simple as spelling the alphabet with your foot under your desk can burn calories and increase leg strength. Some classic arm circles are a great way to build shoulder and arm strength. Another great way to stay healthy is to find someone or a group of people around the office to exercise with. It can be something as small as meeting for five minutes a day at the end of lunch to stretch. It is always easier to start and stick to exercising if you do it with people. You could also try “walking meetings”, which are exactly what they sound like. If you are just looking to touch base and won’t require a computer or writing, consider taking your meeting on the go. Take a walk and talk to whoever you need to and spend less time sitting and more in motion. Answering a phone call is also a great opportunity to get up and move around. For a full list of exercises that can be done at your desk see here http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/6-ways-to-stay-fit-from-your-seat.
A desk job can really take a toll on your health, especially if you have it for years and years. There is never a bad time to start working out, and working out at work won’t take away from the little free time that you have. So even if you don’t take some of the tips above, make sure to try and get up and move around a little more each day at work.
