APU Careers Careers & Learning

Drop the Coffee and Get Active at Work Instead

By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff

Take back your motivation by stepping out of your sedentary work routine. If you sit at a desk 8 hours a day you should try a few jumping jacks between tasks instead of refilling your coffee cup.

I’m always looking for easy ways to get exercise in during the work day. I go places where I have to walk on my lunch break, and I take the long way to get more water. As I was looking for more inspiring work exercise routines I found a great list from Jean Lawrence on WebMD. There are some great tips for 60 second aerobics. Everyone can commit to 60 seconds of physical activity at a time. It’s easy, just try a few things for 60 seconds at your desk:

  • Do jumping jacks for one minute.
  • Pretend like you’re jumping rope by hopping on alternate feet.
  • Do lunges down the hallway. Do this when everyone is at lunch or in meetings so you don’t feel too goofy.
  • Take the stairs! Grab a glass of water and travel up and down until you hit the minute mark.
  • Do a wall squat. you can lean against the wall for support, or hold onto your desk while in a seated position.

Some other ways you can release tension are through walking and stretching. A simple stretch can release endorphins that will loosen you up and temporarily remove the fog from your brain. If your desk allows for it, try standing when you write a few emails. I tend to pace when I’m having writer’s blog, the activity removes me from my desk and gives me time to clear my head.

You don’t have to be a fitness nut to move around more in the office. Being active isn’t a bad thing, and with consistency over time it can have great health benefits. If you’re feeling low on the day before your weekend, get up and move around!

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