If you are like most Americans, you sit for most of the day either at your desk, in a meeting, in the car, at home, etc. Studies show sitting for 60 minutes without a physical activity break can cause significant health issues. Integrating physical activity into your work routine is good for you and can be simple! Make it a point to get out of your seat and be active for 1-3 minutes after you’ve been seated for a prolonged period of time. Just the act of standing up can benefit your health and productivity by taking your body out of hibernation mode. Here are a few ideas to sneak in some activity :
- Desk Yoga. Facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds to relieve sedentary stress. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.
- Stretch it out. Try these exercises:Stretching Exercises at Your Desk
Slide show: Office stretches
- Park and walk. How many times have you circled the parking lot to find “the” spot? Spare yourself the stress and gain more energy by parking far away (or even in a remote lot) and walking farther to your destination.
- Take the stairs. The elevator may go up — but it doesn’t make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs instead. You may huff and puff at first, but over time, your body will thank you.
- Stand up. Instead of sitting while you’re on the phone or completing paperwork, simply stand up. Want extra credit? Improve your balance by standing on one leg, then switch to the other.
- Take a recess break. Use a portion of your lunch break to go on a brisk walk. For extra motivation, attend a Move-It Monday session:
April 21: Light Cardio and Tone in BTSU 316
April 28: Zumba in BTSU 316
May 5: Light Cardio and Tone in BTSU 314
Get your metabolism up and improve your mood, cognition, and energy level by making sure when you sit for 60, you move for 3!