By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist
Finding time to exercise can be challenging when you’re juggling work, errands, kids and activities. Sometimes life just gets in the way. Luckily, with the new year upon us, now is a great time to take stock of our fitness goals and look for ways to integrate physical activity into our daily routines.
Listed below are several quick and easy things you can do around the office or at home to keep moving—especially on those days when you can’t make it to the gym.
- Take the stairs—Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a great way to get some added exercise. If you have stairs at your house, add several extra trips up and down throughout the day.
- Standing—Long periods of sitting are linked to an increased risk of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Incorporate standing instead of sitting when feasible, as it burns more calories.
- Calf raises—Do you ever find yourself waiting for the printer to finish or dishwasher to complete its cycle? Take advantage of these moments and crank out a few calf raises while you wait.
- Desk/countertop squat—Find a stable surface that’s about chest height, such as a desk or countertop. Stabilizing yourself with both hands on the surface, keep your hips back and bend your knees, like you’re going to sit in a chair. Perform 10 to 15 of these in a row to improve the strength in your legs.
- Posture perfect—If you find yourself seated for an extended period of time, do a quick posture check every 15 minutes. Make sure you’re sitting upright in your chair, with your abs tight and shoulders relaxed.