Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is essential for your overall well-being, but finding the time to exercise can be challenging amidst a busy schedule. The good news is that by incorporating simple exercises into your routine, you can make significant progress towards your fitness goals from the comfort of your home or office. This week we will talk about how to keep yourself active at the workplace by taking small fitness breaks during the day.
How To Stay Active At The Workplace
Bodyweight Squats:
Bodyweight squats are a fantastic exercise for strengthening the lower body, particularly the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and lower your body as if you’re sitting back in an imaginary chair. Keep your back straight, and push through your heels to return to the starting position. Aim for three sets of 10-15 reps.
Push-Ups:
Push-ups are a classic exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Begin in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest grazes the floor, then push back up to the starting position. If you find traditional push-ups challenging, you can modify by doing them on your knees. Aim for three sets of 8-12 reps.
Planks:
Planks are excellent for strengthening the core muscles, which are essential for stability and posture. Start by assuming a push-up position, but instead of resting on your hands, lower yourself onto your forearms. Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engaging your abdominal muscles. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, aiming for three sets.
Lunges:
Lunges target the lower body, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Take a step forward with your right leg and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Push through your right heel to return to the starting position and repeat with the left leg. Aim for three sets of 10-15 reps on each leg.
Wall Sits:
Wall sits are a fantastic exercise for building strength in your quadriceps. Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly slide your back down the wall, bending your knees until they are at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, aiming for three sets.
Jumping Jacks:
Jumping jacks are a simple yet effective cardiovascular exercise that also engages the muscles in your arms and legs. Start with your feet together and your arms by your sides. Jump while simultaneously spreading your legs wider than hip-width apart and raising your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and repeat. Aim for three sets of 15-20 reps.
Tricep Dips:
Tricep dips target the muscles on the back of your upper arms. Find a stable chair or desk and sit on the edge. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge, fingers facing forward. Slide your bottom off the chair, keeping your legs extended in front of you. Bend your elbows, lowering your body until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position. Aim for three sets of 8-12 reps.
The Verdict
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By utilizing these simple exercises, you can effectively work multiple muscle groups and improve your overall well-being.
