Ways to Burn More Calories at Work
We understand that finding the time to exercise can be a challenge for anyone with a busy schedule. Working some of our expert's tips into your work day will not only help burn a few extra calories, but can help improve your mood and boost your energy levels to avoid midday fatigue.
Steve Lewis, personal trainer at Bronson Athletic Club, says there are a number of ways for you to burn more calories at work. Check out these tips:
- Park “Inconveniently” Far Away
By parking farther away, you are forcing yourself to take extra steps that you wouldn’t have taken by parking closer to your destination.
- Make the Most of Your Commute
Try walking or biking to work if your commute allows it. If you take the bus, get off a block or two early. Just be sure to wear a helmet if you opt to ride a bike to and from work.
- Trade Your Office Chair for a Fitness Ball
This will not only help improve your balance, but will also help strengthen your core. It is best to do this in small increments at first and work your way up to longer increments. This will ensure you're building up your core muscles in order to see the full benefits. You can even use the fitness ball to do wall squats or other workplace exercises throughout the day.
- Look for Opportunities to Stand
It is proven that you burn more calories standing than sitting. Try standing periodically throughout the day as you review documents, talk on the phone or meet with someone. By standing and working the fitness ball into your work life, you will minimize static sitting positions for long periods of time.
- Take Fitness Breaks
If you are often tied to your desk all day, give your mind and body a break by taking a walk for lunch. This is also a great opportunity to get know someone from work better if you choose to walk with a coworker.
- Keep Fitness Equipment in Your Work Area
Equipment that is easy to store and doesn’t take up a lot of space at your desk includes small hand weights or resistance bands. As you have time throughout the day between meetings or tasks – do a couple of reps.
- Conduct Meetings on the Go
Walking meetings and brainstorming sessions are a great way to get up and moving. Quite often it can also lead to a more productive meeting by boosting brain activity.
- Take the Stairs, Not the Elevator
You can help your workplace conserve energy and burn calories while doing it by taking the stairs. Plus, this is a free way to get some cardiovascular exercise without having to spend a dime.
- Pick Up the Pace
If your job involves walking, do it at a faster pace. The more you walk and the quicker your pace, the greater the benefits.
