05 Aug 6 ways to exercise at work without looking completely crazy

We know the term “work” used to refer to sweaty activities for most people, with so many tasks requiring manual labor outdoors. Although many of us prefer sitting in the air conditioning to hoeing fields and hunting, the sedentary desk life is pretty bad for us according to experts. Sitting for extended periods of time is linked to a number of icky health concerns including diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar and obesity. This isn’t news to most of us, but with so much of our time dedicated to sitting it’s hard to integrate exercise into our routines, and popping a squat in the middle of the office often feels like a better way to raise eyebrows than improve your activity level.

1. Park away from your office entranceAre your coworkers battling it out for the most convenient parking space? If you want to add an extra movement in your day, consider parking in the space farthest from your office’s entrance, forcing you to take a little extra time to walk before and after work.
2. Take the stairsWe’ve all heard it before, but stairs are great for your legs and your heart, especially if you take them quickly.
3. Calf raisesNext time you’re waiting for the copy machine, consider subtly toning and strengthening your calves. To perform a calf raise, stand comfortably on both feet. Rise onto the balls of your feet. After holding for a second, lower your heels to the ground slowly resisting your body weight and putting your weight over the balls of your feet. You can tone and strengthen your calves subtly as you wait at the copy machine.
4. Pace while talking on the telephoneEvery time you get a phone call, take it as an opportunity to do a little walking. Acquiring a headset may be helpful for these walk-and-talks.
5. Desk chair swivelSwivel chairs were always fun, so if you’ve been searching for an excuse to twirl your chair while strengthening your oblique abs, this may be the perfect solution. To perform, sit upright with your feet hovering above the floor. Hold the edge of your desk lightly and use your core to swivel the chair from side to side. Try doing this for 15 rounds.
6. Greet your coworkersTake a brain break for a couple of minutes several times throughout the day to take a jaunt through the office to greet your coworkers or ask about their weekends. It’s a great way to stretch your legs as long as you aren’t making your way to the vending machine during your stroll.