I don’t really like saying that my day job is a “desk job.” I work at an ad agency where every day is different. I get to work out of the office when we shoot ads, edit commercials and record voiceovers. It’s a lot of fun – but the reality is, whether I’m off shooting or at the office working on a script, I’m still sitting the majority of the day. So while I may not have a “desk job,” 1/3 of my day is spent sitting – wherever that may be.
A number of studies and articles (like this one and this one) have come out recently about Sitting Disease and how detrimental sitting too much can be for our health. Even if you workout for an hour each day, that 1 hour won’t negate the 8ish hours you spend on your bum, so how do those of us with desk jobs beat this thing before it’s too late? I came up with these 7 Ways to Fight Sitting Disease At Work to help you do just that.
- Take the stairs – Get in a little more activity each day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I have a general rule of thumb that if I have to go up or down 3 flights or less, I take the stairs. Have to up 6 flights? Take the elevator up 3 and then take the stairs!
- Get a standing desk – We don’t have these at my office yet, but I wish we did. A standing desk will encourage you to move around a bit more, and maybe even some calf raises while working. hehe
- Take walk breaks – Every hour or so, get up and walk around the office. Use a timer on your phone or activity tracker to remind you to get moving. Not only will these breaks get you up and out of the chair, but you’ll also get little mental breaks to refresh and refocus.
- Go on lunchtime walks – Instead of getting your lunch and eating it at your desk or cafeteria, take that time to walk around. Get outside and explore the neighborhood or do a few laps around the parking lot. If the weather is bad, just do a few laps around the office or up and down the stairs!
- Chat in person – If the person you are emailing or chatting on the phone with works in your office and isn’t hard to get to, get up and head over to their desk to chat in person. You’ll get in a little movement and communication is always better face-to-face.
- Drink lots of water – Aim for one cup of water for every hour of the workday. You’ll have to get up to go the kitchen every so often to refill, and you’ll also have to get up to pee!
- Try a DeskCycle – Yep. DeskCycle. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a cycle that you can use while at your desk. Simply put it under your desk and cycle in place while you work. You’ll get those legs moving and burn some calories all while getting your work done. It’s multitasking to the max!
This post is sponsored by DeskCycle.
I was recently sent a DeskCycle to try and have to say it’s interesting. My office floor is tile, so I have to use the chair tether to keep it in place (It comes with the tether, but I still recommend using it on a carpeted surface for less slip & slide). It takes a while to get used to, and to be honest I haven’t gotten 100% comfortable with it yet, but it’s nice to get in a little extra movement while I work. Plus, it has a little display that shows speed, distance traveled, time cycling and calories burned!
If you’re nervous about your co-workers looking at you funny, don’t be! Everyone around me was pretty excited about the DeskCycle, and a few people asked if they could try it! I might have to rent it out haha.
If you don’t have a desk job, the DeskCycle can also be used when watching TV or doing any sort of seated activity. Check out more info on how to use the Deskcycle, and if you’re interested in getting one for yourself, it retails for $159 (free shipping!) on Amazon.
Got yourself a desk job? Check out these 7 Ways to Fight Sitting Disease At Work!
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Anywho, all of these are simple tips that could totally help save your life. Soooo you’re welcome. I take thank you gifts in the form of cash money and bulldogs.
Let’s Chat:
Does your job have you sitting most of the day?
Would you give the Deskcycle a go?
This post is linked up with Wild Workout Wednesdays.
This post contains affiliate links.
