Just because you’re sheltered inside, it doesn’t mean that you’re locked down. Whether you’re at the office or in your home, it’s very easy to get sucked into a project (or Facebook) for hours at end. Before you know it, you’ve gained 15 lbs, and your hips are permanently stuck in the seated position (so awkward looking). Don’t be a victim of your chair!! Here’s your “Quick 5” to get the juices flowing while you’re staring at your computer.
1.) Set your alarm to alert you every 60 minutes and perform a squat, lunge, and a plank.
While in the luxury of your home, you don’t have to worry about what your office mates think of you. You dress in sweatpants and your favorite t-shirt while your hair looks like it was swept away in a wind tunnel. Why not take it a step further and perform a few exercises periodically? You can’t lunge at the office but you can at home! Set your alarm to alert you every 60 minutes. No matter what you’re doing, stop and perform 20 reps of a squat and lunge. Cap it off with a 30-second plank, and now you have increased blood flow to tackle the next problem. Schedule this routine 7x, and you’ll nearly have a regular exercise routine in a gym. That’s 21 exercises…I’m proud of you already!
2.) Create a distance between the things you need.
It makes sense to gather all of your materials first thing in the morning for a successful day…if you didn’t want to get up again. You want to move, though! Grab your materials for one project at a time and force yourself to get up again later to grab the next batch. Do you drink water or coffee all day? Only fill half of a mug at a time, and you’ll need to walk over to the kitchen for a refill more often.
3.) Walk around your house during a phone call.
If you must take a phone call, you might as well stand or walk around your house. If you need access to paperwork or your laptop, display them on your kitchen counter while you stand. Do whatever it takes to remove yourself from the chair.
4.) Schedule three 2-minute dance breaks throughout the day.
I know what you’re wondering: “Michael, do youuuuuu really take dance breaks?” The answer is “no,” but you might. Nobody is watching you, and you might look forward to dancing to Enrique Iglesias’s song “Escape.” Swaying hips, fancy footwork, shrugging shoulders…who would’ve known that Enrique was writing the soundtrack for a 2-minute workout session! You go get girrrrl....or guy!
5.) Read your documents while pedaling on your stationary bike.
If you’re forced to read your documents or computer, why confine yourself to the boring stationary chair. Jump on the stationary bike to increase the oxygen to your legs, hips, and heart.
Photo Credit: Geekwire .com - No doubt a way to bring blood flow to your office day!
Disclaimer: Hey, vegan, vegetarian and plant-based friends! If you have any insight about this topic that I overlooked or left out, don’t hesitate to send me an email (michael@michaelmoodyfitness.com). I grew up on a Midwestern diet of meat, cheese, and processed foods and just want to guide the world back to some of its plant roots (see what I did there). Help me educate the world on the benefits of a whole foods plant-based diet!
