Simple Steps to Office Health & Fitness
We've all read those overly-flamboyant exercise guides from the 80s. Telling us to take our best lycra outfits to work so we can get the whole office to do some crazy dance aerobics at lunch time. For obvious reasons, it never really took off. People go to work to work, and it's difficult to find motivation to do much else while we are there - especially if it involves fluro lycra! So how can we make our day-to-day working lives a little healthier without making fools of ourselves? Well, here are a few simple changes you can make which will make a big difference to your overall well-being and productivity.
1. Fitness En Route!
It's a tricky one. Do you jump in the car and avoid the rain or jump on your bike and get fit? The problem is that we get stuck in our routines and find it hard to break. Why not do a bit of both? Make a deal with yourself that you will only take the car on rainy days, and the others days cycle (walk or run) - be flexible!
2. Choices, Choices, Choices
Living in London I'm exposed to lots of different people with lots of different ideas and approaches to life. But it always strikes how lazy the majority of people are. They take the escalator instead of the stairs; they take the underground when it would probably be quicker to walk; they wait for the lift to come when they could easily walk one story up to the office. With this in mind it’s easy to see how much extra exercise you could fit into your day, simply by taking the “fit option”. Use your legs and make healthier choices.
3. Two Minute Burns
Sitting at your desk you’ll notice that your heart rate is often as low as it gets (apart from when the boss is being overly demanding). Sitting still for long periods of time isn't good for our bodies; we’ve all heard of horror stories of people getting thrombosis (blood clots) from sitting still for too long on a place. It also slows insulin production and calorie loss and makes you feel tired and sluggish. But it’s easily remedied! Quick two minute bursts of exercise are enough to raise your heart rate and kick-start your body into burning calories. Try walking downstairs and back up again; try seeing how many squats or push ups you can manage in two minute stints – you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel!
4. Be Prepared for Snack-Attacks
It’s inevitable that you’ll get the munchies whilst at your desk; even if it is only to fight the boredom and break up your routine. The best way to fight these moments of weakness is simply to prepare. When you’re in the moment it’s all too easy to grab a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps, especially when “everyone else is doing it”. Keep a little stash of fruit, nuts and other healthy treats that will kill the craving without being detrimental your health. These super-foods also give you more energy and make you more productive!
Ben is an office-based fashion writer for Miinto where you can find fashion inspiration online.