In addition to the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day, incorporating more routine movement into your work day can mitigate the hazards of sitting. Here’s a list of ideas to help you get moving at work:
- use a standing desk
- use a treadmill desk
- use a bicycle desk
- stand whenever talking on the phone
- stand and/or pace during webinars, conference calls, etc.
- walk to a colleague’s office instead of phoning, IM-ing, or texting
- drink lots of water (then you’re regularly either getting up for another drink or to walk down the hall to the restroom)
- conduct standing meetings (a la agile software development folks)
- conduct walking meetings (ideally outside)
- conduct meetings on a Conference Bike
- put garbage can, recycling bin, stapler, paper shredder, and other commonly used items across the room
- stand during coffee breaks
- stand on the bus
- get off the bus/subway a stop or two early
- park at the far edge of the parking lot
- take the stairs instead of the elevator
- walk on the escalator; don’t just stand
- do “easy” push-ups resting your hands on the edge or your desk
- do squats at your desk
- stretch, squirm, and fidget at your desk
How do you get moving at work? Please leave a comment below.