It’s hard to stay active when you’re sedentary for eight hours a day or more. But did you know the average person spends 90% of their time indoors and mostly sitting? Studies have linked extended periods of sitting to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. As a busy professional, it can be tough to fit in exercise when you’re already juggling a packed schedule. But worry not, as there are some creative ways you can incorporate exercise into your workday. In this blog post, we will highlight a variety of ways to help you stay active while at work.
Why Is it Important to Stay Active?
Sitting for prolonged periods is just as bad for your health as smoking cigarettes. If this doesn’t shock you into changing your habits, then hopefully we can convince you of the importance of staying active in the workplace. It’s easy to get consumed in deadlines and meetings, but making a conscious effort to add exercise into your day can yield rewards to your general health and well-being. Here are five reasons you need to remain in motion while on the job!
1. Prevent Health Problems
Sitting for long periods can lead to many health issues, including obesity, heart disease and chronic back pain. Doing exercise regularly, even while at work, can prevent these issues by enhancing blood flow, bettering heart health and boosting metabolism. Simple activities like taking the stairs, stretching at your desk, or going for a quick walk can drastically enhance your health and minimize your risk of long-term issues.
2. Enhance Concentration and Efficiency
Exercise enhances cognitive function, so staying active can increase your focus and productivity during the workday. It’s simple to get stuck in emails and meetings, but taking a few minutes to stretch or do some light exercise can aid you to reset and tackle tasks with restored energy.
3. Enhance Mood and Reduce Stress
If you’ve ever gone for a short stroll or danced in your workspace, you know exercise can boost your spirits and decrease tension. Even moderate exercise releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, which can help you feel happier and more relaxed throughout the day.
4. Boost Workplace Culture
Encouraging physical activity in the workplace can create a sense of community and positive workplace culture. Simple initiatives such as standing meetings or “walking talks” can break the monotony of sitting through meetings and encourage more movement and interaction among employees. This can lead to increased collaboration, productivity and overall job satisfaction.
5. Improve Physical Function
Sedentary work can leave us feeling stiff and sore, but regular movement can boost our overall physical function and make us feel stronger and healthier. Incorporating strength-building exercises or opportunities for stretching and movement can help combat the negative effects of sitting and bolster your overall physical function.
Tips for Staying Active at Work
When you’re stuck at the office for most of the day, it’s hard to stay active and fit. Despite having limited time or space, there are still many ways you can make the most out of your workday and incorporate physical activity into your routine. Here are some simple tips on how to get an effective workout in while staying productive on the clock!
Take the Stairs
If your office is on the 15th floor, taking the stairs may seem daunting. However, it’s a great way to get your heart rate up and tone your leg muscles without leaving the building. Start with just one floor and build up from there. Remember, every bit helps!
Stand Up
Whether you work in a cubicle or a corner office, make sure you stand up and move around at least once an hour. Try setting an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to stand up, stretch and walk around for a few minutes. It will help to increase your blood flow and lessen tightness in your muscles.
Organize Walking Meetings
Sitting down in a conference room for hours can be draining, and it’s not always an effective use of time. Next time, suggest a walking meeting with your colleagues. A 20- to 30-minute walk can be refreshing, and studies show it can help to boost creativity and productivity.
Exercise at Your Desk
Make the best use of your desk by using it for body posture exercises and get relief from backaches. For instance, you can do desk-side squats while waiting for your computer to turn on or perform leg lifts while sitting. These little exercises can make a significant difference in tension relief.
Find Support
Sometimes, it’s a lot easier to stay motivated and active in a group than it is on your own. Join a wellness club or health class designed to cater to your fitness level so you can meet new people and receive added support.
Schedule a Workout Break
As we all know, exercise is important for our physical and mental health. However, finding time can be difficult with a busy schedule. Consider asking your employer for a workout break. Not only can it help improve your health, but it can also increase productivity and reduce stress levels. The Wellbridge Family of Athletic Clubs provides an excellent solution for this dilemma. With state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of fitness classes, Wellbridge makes it easy for employees to squeeze in a workout during their lunch breaks or after work. Plus, with convenient locations nationwide, it’s easy to find a club near you. So why not take advantage of this win-win situation and ask your employer for a workout break with the help of a Wellbridge Athletic Club?
Contact Wellbridge Athletic Clubs Today!
Maintaining an active lifestyle while working long hours can be challenging, but it’s possible. You can take the stairs instead of using the elevator, stand up regularly to stretch your muscles, have walking meetings, work out at your desk and find support by joining a wellness club. The key is to keep moving throughout the day and make physical activity a part of your daily routine. With these tips and tricks, you can improve your overall health, productivity and mental state while making your workday a lot more enjoyable. So why not try it? Your body will thank you! Contact Wellbridge Athletic Clubs today to learn more about becoming a member.