Workplace exercises are very important because get the weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses for too much sitting. People who sit all day have a 40% increased risk of dying, according to one (somewhat disturbing) study.
While we aren’t claiming that your job will kill you, it is a good idea to take some basic steps to improve your workplace health. Simply start moving your body a little more at your desk as a simple place to start. If you’re a remote worker searching for a virtual way to work out with your coworkers, consider hosting an online fitness class.
For most people, when they think of exercising, their mind immediately goes to the gym or goes for a run. However, you can do plenty of activities right at your workplace.
Taking a few minutes to do some desk exercises or workplace stretches can help increase your energy and productivity levels. And, if you find yourself getting tense or stressed during the workday, taking a short break to do some calm-inducing exercises can help you refocus and recharge.
Here are a few workplace exercises to try:
- Deskercise:Â Get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. Engage yourself in some stretches at your desk, take a brisk walk around the office, or do light callisthenics to get your blood flowing.
- Workplace Stretches: Take a break from sitting or standing in one position and do some simple stretches. Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and ankle pumps are all great ways to relieve tension and stiffness.
- Relaxation Exercises: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a few deep breaths and try relaxation exercises. Progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and meditation can help calm and focus the mind.
Some other ideas about exercising at the workplace include using the stairs instead of the elevator. Or how about parking your car at the farthest spot in the parking lot? This will push you to go the extra mile for your fitness goals.
How does workplace exercises working out to boost productivity?
According to research, our mental acuity is strongly related to our physical activity. And nowhere are the ramifications more important than in our professional lives. Consider the following cognitive advantages of regular exercise:
Concentration has improved
Improved memory
Learning occurs more quickly.
Long-term mental endurance
Increased inventiveness
Reduced anxiety
Exercise has also been shown to improve mood, which can have major consequences for professional performance. There are countless benefits to working out at the workplace, including increased productivity. Exercise has been shown to improve brain function and increase focus, which is essential for a productive workday.
Moreover, exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, two common culprits behind lost productivity. Making time for a workout during the workday improves your mind and body.
How should employers promote workplace exercises with better nutrition ?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. And that’s not just for your own health- it can also positively impact your work.
Numerous studies have shown that fitness at work leads to higher productivity levels. When employees are healthy and physically fit, they can focus and stay on task. They’re also less likely to call in sick, meaning there’s less chance of disruptions to the workflow.
In addition, fitness at work can lead to better team cohesion and morale. So if you’re an employer, it makes sense to invest in the health and well-being of your workforce. It will benefit your employees, but it will also pay off for your business in terms of increased productivity.
There are several ways employers can promote nutrition and exercise in the workplace. One way is to offer employees discounts at local gyms or fitness centres. Another way is to host wellness days where employees can receive health screenings, learn about healthy lifestyle choices, and participate in fitness activities. Employers can also provide healthy snacks in the workplace.
So far, we have discussed the benefits of daily office workouts. Here are some exercises that will benefit both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts.
Desk push-ups
For cubicle dwellers, getting in a good workout can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! There are plenty of exercises you can do right at your desk. Desk push-ups are a great way to get your heart rate up and tone your arms.
How to:
- Start the exercise by standing in front of your desk.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your hands on the edge of the desk, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
- Bend your elbows and slowly lower your body towards the desk. Keep going until your chest touches the desk, then press back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
Chair Squats
Squats are an excellent way to tone your legs and butt, and they can be done practically anywhere – even at your desk! Try doing these exercises while you are working. You can do them while you are talking on the phone or having a meeting.
How to:Â
You have to stand up from your chair and then lower your body back down. Make sure to keep your weight in your heels to work your glutes. Then stand back up again.
Calf Raises
Regular calf raises can help to improve circulation and prevent stiffness, so try adding them to your daily routine.
How to:
- Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight equally distributed between both legs to do a calf raise.
- Slowly rise onto your toes, hold for a moment, and then slowly lower back down.
- You can also personalise the activity to increase or decrease the intensity. For example, you can exercise by doing single-leg calf raises or by holding something heavy in your hands to increase the intensity.
Wall Sits
These help to strengthen your quadriceps and improve endurance. They improve your thighs, hips, and core muscles.
How to:
- To do a wall sit, simply stand against a wall and slide down until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Hold the position for as long as you can. Start with 30 seconds and work up to 1 minute or more.
You’ll be surprised at how fast your strength will build! So next time you’re feeling restless at work, try taking a quick break to do some wall sits. Your body will thank you!
Lunges
Lunges are a great way to tone your legs and butt. They work by targeting specific muscle groups and using your body weight as resistance. Lunges can be done with or without adding any weights, making them a versatile exercise for people of all fitness levels.
How to:
- If you’re new to lunges, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart.
- Step forward with your right leg. Then lower your body till both knees are bent at 90-degree angles.
- Ensure your front knee doesn’t extend past your toes, and keep your torso upright.
- Push off with your right leg, and repeat with the left leg.
- You can also add weight to make the exercise more challenging.
Arm Circles
Arm circles are an excellent way to get your blood flowing. They also help you work on your balance. They are good to do when you want to warm up before you do something else or when you’re done with your workout and want to cool down.
If you are looking for arm exercises you can do at your desk, this is one of the best.
How to:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms parallel to the floor.
- Move your arms in a circular pattern, making the circles bigger until you feel a stretch in your triceps muscles.
- Keep reversing the direction of the circles after about 10-15 seconds.
A number of recent research have also suggested that how we feel when exercising has an impact on how much it benefits our health in the long run. When we consider exercise to be a pleasurable activity, we are more likely to resist harmful foods later. We have a significantly tougher difficulty saying no to fattening foods when the same physical activity is seen as a chore, probably because we’ve expended all of our willpower exercising.
So, the next time you feel sluggish or bogged down mentally, try taking a break to do some light exercises at your desk. You will be delighted at how much better you feel after just a few minutes of movement. And, if you can get in the habit of incorporating regular exercise into your workday, you may find that your productivity and mental well-being increase as a result.
What type of exercises have you tried at work?