Five Ways to Get More Active at Work
An inactive lifestyle isn’t healthy.
It has been proven to shorten one’s lifespan and increase overall risk of cancer. In fact, according to the Journal of American Medicine, a sedentary lifestyle is as detrimental to your health as smoking.
The World Health Organization states, “Sedentary lifestyles increase all causes of mortality, double the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and increase the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and lipid disorders.”
Why not give moving more a try?
For many Americans, prolonged sitting–whether in the office or in a car–is a job requirement, but it’s still possible to include activity in your day.
Work in more movement this month by finding ways to decrease your sitting time at work.
Here are five ways to move more at work:
- Pick a parking spot or drop-off point far away from the front door. This will automatically add steps to your daily routine.
- Don’t keep pressing the elevator button. Replace your elevator ride with a hike up the steps.
- Walk away from your desk (and chair). Take two-to-three minutes each hour to stand up and march in place or stretch. Better yet, invest in a stand-up or treadmill desk or a yoga ball chair. If you drive in the car, be sure to stop regularly to get out and stretch.
- Split your lunch into two segments. Eat for half of the time and walk during the other half.
- Exercise doesn’t have to be completed all at one time. Dividing it up throughout the day can be just as effective!
Adding any kind of movement–big or small–to your daily routine, can be a big win for your health.
Erika Smith is the Fitness Coordinator at The Lifestyle Center. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree in Health Promotion from Lynchburg College and her personal trainer certification through the American Fitness and Aerobics Association.