Move Your Body at Work
Do you have a desk job that doesn’t really allow you to move your body at work? I’ve worked a lot of desk jobs and they aren’t always the most conducive to fitting in exercise. But it’s your job so what do you do? First… Keep reading!
How to Start to Move Your Body at Work
For many, it can be really hard to fit in any type of physical activity. Those of us that work a desk job tend to rely on nutrition but in many cases, that’s not enough. Your focus is ultimately split between the time your working and when you’re dealing with life so even thinking about how to move your body is on the back burner. If you work in the corporate world, it can be even worse.
If you’re in corporate, you’re mostly sitting for five or more hours a day. And it goes by in a blink so you don’t even notice it! You’re either working at your desk or in meetings, sitting down at a conference table. Unfortunately, sitting like this can lead to decreased longevity, among other things. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine1 actually found that sitting for long stretches of time can increase our risk for heart disease, diabetes and in some cases, cancer. What’s even more shocking is even if people were able to move their body, their lifespan was still shortened because of the extended period of sitting.
Want to slow the aging process?
While there are tons of ways to do this, my favorite way is to get a standing desk. In many corporate offices, they are learning the value of standing while working. Some companies offer standing desks as standard but if yours doesn’t try changing it up.
Move your meetings from the conference room. to the hallways of your office and have mobile, walking meetings. You can still get your business chats done but walking allows you to move simultaneously. Think ahead to the nice weather too. In the Spring and Summer, meet for a coffee and some time at the nearby park. You’ll get in some fresh air and get work done. That’s a win-win!
But if you’re working for yourself or working remotely, and cannot afford a standing desk, try something like this. I know they’re expensive but there are alternatives. You can even get one for your treadmill! Graduating to a standing desk of any kind gives you the best of both worlds.
What do I do if I can’t get a standing desk?
If you can’t get a standing desk, there are a few things you can do.
1. Make a point to leave your desk for a few minutes each day. – Just go for a walk around your house or do some stretches.
2. If you have to sit, have good posture. – This means sitting straight up, abdominal muscles engaged, and feet on the floor.
3. Do some leg lifts in your chair. – While sitting, work your strongest muscle group – your legs! You’ll even work your core at the same time too.
4. Stand at least once an hour. – Set a timer if you have to. Just standing for a few minutes each hour will change your body and prevent stiffness.
Whichever method you decide to use, make sure you do it. Even just 10-15 minutes of movement each day will help. Your body and your mind will thank you later.
Let me know what you’re doing to move your body every day while at work. I’d love to learn new techniques and try something different for a change.
My mission is to empower individuals to launch their side hustle and transform it into a thriving, successful business.
I provide tailored packages for business owners in New England and across the U.S., offering administrative, marketing, and operations support designed to meet your unique needs.
Jenn Mullen holds degrees in Psychology and Business Management, as well as a certification in healthy and wellness coaching. She combines over a decade of corporate experience with more than five years of small business expertise, bringing a unique blend of skills and insight to her work. Beyond her expertise, she’s a high-energy, passionate individual with ADHD who thrives on staying organized, bringing laughter to every project, and finding joy in the work she loves.
