Can you keep fit at your desk?
There are often stories you hear - anecdotally of course, nothing scientific! - where people will claim that they were able to get a six pick just by clenching their diaphragm sporadically - or something like that anyway.
While it's true that a little bit of judicious fidgeting (as opposed to disco dancing in your seat) will burn off a few calories and contribute to your overall energy burning, it's going to be minimal.
In a WebMD article on this very subject, two very (extremely!) important poinst are made regarding desk exercise (or deskercise as no doub somebody, somewhere calls it) ...
Point number one: desk exercise won't get you to the Olympics. The WebMD article is quite right here. But then, neither will a daily hour and a half at the local gym, when you think about it.
Our advice: be positive - this isn't about getting to the Olympics anyway - it's all about staying focused on being active. I'd bet that people who desk exercise regularly aren't just burning off a few calories - they're also carrying out an affirmation every time (albeit one without words) that says: "I am healthy, I am active".
Try doing some research on desk exercise and see what you come up with - often it's smaller and more moderate exercise that can lead us into taking our activity levels more seriously. There's nothing wrong with having objectives that are easil met in the early stages! There are also some good general workplace wellbeing ideas in business blog and SME sites such as SME Web and Personnel Today. Don't focus everything on the exercise and try to mainian a holistic outlook.
Point number 2: Human beings are edesigned to move around, not sit still for hours on end. Again, so true. How often do you find yourself during your leisure time in exactly the same posture that you have during the working day? And for hours in end? Get up now and then, strecth your legs. You'll feel better for it, refreshed even - and that's only going to help with your concentration and productivity.
What are your tips for staying active while at work?
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