There are active jobs that keep people moving and then there are those sedentary jobs that keep us pinned in front of a computer. The problem is that sitting all day is not good for the heart or the waistline. We also know, the bigger the waistline the worse for the heart.
It is recommended that we take 10,000 steps a day. But many office workers top out at less than half that. So ideas for adding step to your day:
- Have walking meetings.
- Use the restroom that is not closest to your desk.
- Park as far as you can from the entrance to your office. Or get off one or two stops earlier than you usually do.
- Try some nervous pacing while you talk on the phone.
- If you are going out to lunch, walk don’t drive. Choose a place that is about 10 minutes away on foot so you get some exercise.
If your office building, company, or school has a gym you should definitely take advantage of it. Plan on regular lunchtime workouts – you might find it easier to fit it in during work rather than before of after. Keep spare clothes in your desk for those moments when the “server is down” and you can slip away and workout.
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I work in an office, but I do desk exercises like leg lifts and crunches while I'm working or at least fidget a lot so I'm always moving.
1I was working 12-18 hour days on a regular basis, and I found myself skipping meals, eating at my desk, and drinking tonnes of soda. Needless to say, I gained 15 pounds, my skin erupted into a mess and I had the worst insomnia. Quitting was an awesome idea and I'm glad I did.
2This is so true! 4 years ago I worked at a department store as a cosmetic consultant. Long hours on my feet and only sitting down for lunch. At that time my waistline was nice and trim. For the past 2 1/2 years I've worked a desk job. Sendentary for 8 hours (except the ocasional bathroom break) and it has taken a toll on my waistline! I'm active OUTSIDE of the office, but at work I have no choice but to stay planted to my chair in front of the computer.
3Maybe I should switch careers for the sake of my waistline!
jc, I'm right there w/you. I sit in front of a computer all day, 8+ hours, and since I've been at this job (2 yrs in April) I have put on about 15 lbs. I look and feel horrible. I eat better and exercise more than I ever have in my life, and the scale has barely budged. I'm at the end of my rope. I hate it.
4Me, too, girls...
I do CAD work, not as much as I used to. Before, I would be sitting here for HOURS before I came out of my daze and realized I hadn't moved in that long. Now I try to get up and go to the copier more and stuff. I have always parked like a block away (not always by choice). Don't think that makes up for the diff, though.
5I know what you mean Butrfly, it seems like doing the little things like that barely make a dent.
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