An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, you can’t always get to the gym or go for a run before work. But what you can do is perform a few basic exercises while you’re at work to keep you healthy, stress-free, and mentally engaged. Here are five exercises you can do during the workday.
Shadow Boxing
If you have a spare moment to yourself, try shadow boxing. It’s a great cardio workout, and the action itself can prove very helpful for releasing some of the built-up workplace stress. Simply raise your fists in front of you in a boxing-style position, then punch outward with alternating fists. Continue for as long as you’d like — just make sure there’s no one in front of you!
Water Bottle Weights
Use a pair of full water bottles as makeshift dumbbells. Perform the same exercises you would do with free weights: bicep curls or shoulder presses, for instance. You’ll be surprised at the workout you get, and you have refreshing hydration ready to go the moment you’re done.
Leg Raises
If you have a chair on hand that doesn’t roll, try performing leg raises. Sit up straight and extend your legs out in front of you, parallel to the ground. Now, lower them until your heels are just a few inches off the ground and hold your legs there for a count of 10 seconds. Relax, then repeat as necessary.
Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs are as simple as they sound. Stand up straight (or sit) and lift your shoulders toward your ears. Hold at the peak position for five seconds, then relax and repeat. To up the ante a bit, you can hold weights of some kind — water bottles, reams of paper, etc. — in your hands while performing the exercise.
Sit-Ups and Push-Ups
Of course, there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned exercises like sit-ups and push-ups. Assuming you have the space in the break room or an unused area, you can perform these basic exercises without using any kind of equipment at all. They’re great for a quick workout to wake up your muscles and get the blood flowing.
Would you like more tips on staying active and healthy while you’re at work? Visit Medical Professionals online.
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