I was reminded again by a recent article that long stretches of sitting is dangerous and can kill us or, at the very least, shorten our lifespans. At first, I was rattled, but then I got an idea: What if one could work out while working!
We’ve all heard of standing desks, and some offices have those now – yet long hours of standing are not necessarily the answer and can lead to a different set of bodily issues. It seemed to me the ideal standing desk would be a treadmill desk or StairMaster desk – but how many offices have those or will shell out the money for them? Then, more recently, while listening to music while working, I noticed I was moving to the music, and suddenly it hit me: There are things we can do while we’re working to get exercise and, most importantly, deflect the disastrous effects of sitting all day. One can do simple movements to keep circulation going – and why not take it beyond that and work our muscles. I looked up products, and was elated to find several that could help. I haven’t had time to explore all the products out there for pricing and quality, so I am not necessarily recommending the following products, but my initial findings follow and give hope:
STABILITY BALL (gives you a workout while sitting trying to balance plus forces you to sit up straight): https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tone-Fitness-Stability-Ball/14894439?athcpid=14894439&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWBAB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=1a55419a-0d9-1697dea092fdc4&athena=true
WRIST AND ANKLE WEIGHTS: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Cuff-Rehabilitation-and-Fitness-Ankle-and-Wrist-Weight/15171265
ADDITIONAL IDEAS:
As mentioned above: Listening to music, if your office allows it and you have a comfortable headset that syncs with your laptop or phone. You can move your legs, your torso, tap your feet, bop your head, raise your arms — though I’ll admit that in a more staid office, your coworkers may think you’ve lost it.
Flexing muscles while sitting (it’s easy, for example, to clench and release your butt muscles while seated).
Flexing feet and hands (consider using hand squeeze toys too)
Stretching often (it’s easy to find online stretching moves you can easily do at your desk without looking like a freak).
Stand up; walk around: Take the stairs, walk the length of the office; walk around the building or get outside and walk around the block.
Consider buying a fitness/smart watch that will count your steps, monitor your vitals and remind you to get up and move or drink water. They’re well worth the investment – it’s an investment in you – they’ll not only calculate what’s going on with your body, but just by having one can spur you on to do better by your body.
Consider getting some of the above items so you can work out while working. Maybe your company will even spring for them if they’re open-minded with a comprehensive understanding of how important it is to keep employees healthy. If it doesn’t happen at work and you use a computer at home, at least do it there. Got a treadmill, stationary bike or StairMaster you rarely use? Make it into a desk! Just make sure it’s set up ergonomically. There are how-to articles online.
If you work out while working, you’ll have more time in your life for all the other things on your to-do list. Most importantly, you owe it to yourself, no matter how busy your job and your life, to stay fit and healthy. You only have one body and you need it to be at its best. Time is short: Get moving!
MetroMermaid Chicago 