Small things to increase your daily activity
Back in college, for those who can remember, walking to and from class and hanging out with friends made it easy to keep in shape. Then the worked-for reward of schooling came about- the desk job. No matter how nice your cubicle or how large your window is you still sit at a desk and become stationary for a good part of the day. Slowly (or sometimes quickly) you realize how important those small things were back then. While you try to eat healthy and have weekly routines remember a few simple things to increase your activity.
1. Elongate your stride – Walking to the bathroom or carrying the mail down to the mail room can become a nice way to tone legs. Of course, use the stairs but also make your stride longer. It may feel strange and look a bit funny but it gets those less-used muscles to move, particulary in the glutes and hard to work thighs.
2. Stretch – I hate to see adults who can’t even touch their toes. Its ridiculous. Every morning when you wake up or even when you stand up out of your chair make it a point to let your back release and try touching your toes. This helps keep muscles lean and prevents joints/muscles from becoming stiff- therefore decreasing your likelihood of pulling a muscle or straining yourself. Want to get more out of your stretch? Spread your legs shoulder width apart and touch your toes that way then lean to each side, it stretches out not only your back and legs but your thighs and hips too. Can’t touch your toes anymore? Not a problem. Keep trying but do not strain yourself. Tendons and ligaments have an elasticity to them that acts like a rubber band. You can slowly increase your stretches and eventually be able to touch the floor if you wanted to. Please, be careful though, too far and your rubber band may snap so take it slow.
3. Tap your feet – Sitting at your desk is probably what you do for most of your day so why not try a jogging in place or tapping motion with your feet. As long as your not annoying co-workers next to you it’s a good exercise to keep you moving. To work out your lower abs and the top of your thighs try holding your legs together while keeping them off the floor. If you don’t feel a burn, try holding the position. Relax, then do it again. Don’t hold on to your desk! That’s cheating.
While these aren’t going to give you a Baywatch body they will help supplement your diet and exercise while confined to your desk. Ever get cravings for unhealthy foods? Keep a small stash of peanuts and raisins at your desk or make it a trail-mix and throw in a few (a few, not the whole bag) of M&Ms. That way your sweet-tooth is settled without a whole bag of candy and you increased your protein and antioxidants in one snack. Also remember that water is the body’s way of removing bad things from your system so throw away the sugary soda and reach for water.
Not written by a medically trained person, tips are based on personal experience and sports medicine knowledge. Please consult your physician before going on a diet or weightloss plan. Not intended to replace regular exercise. Perform at your own risk.