Friday, October 17, 2014

tips to stay active during your work day


I used play college volleyball, so I would have mandatory, intense exercise 6 days a week. I still exercise. I do cardio, lift weights, yoga, and play volleyball recreationally. But I am not pushing myself as hard as I was being pushed while being a collegiate athlete. Now I work at a desk job 40 hours a week and have noticed a difference since I stopped playing volleyball. I'm not as strong as I once was, but I'm working on it! 

To keep myself in check, I make sure I get up an move around during my 8 hour day. In the past, I noticed that I would sometimes sit at my desk for hours. With thoughts of spider veins and cellulite, I know I just need to keep my blood flowing. 

Here are some tips for staying active while working:

Set an alarm for the top of each hour. When the alarm goes off get up. Walk around. Do some squats. Stretch. If you don't have time to get up right at that moment, hit "snooze" and get up in 10 minutes.

After you use the restroom, do an exercise. Whether it be 20 squats or a minute wall-sit. (If no one is around, I'll just do these in the handicap stall ;))

If you have to login to your computer or email using a password, make your password a reminder to stay active. So you're constantly typing in something you want to implement. Example passwords: getmoving, standup, getuppp.

After you spent your day sitting, get some cardio in after work. Spend at least 30 mins exercising. Pack your gym clothes in the morning so you can go straight from work to the gym.

I typically pack my lunch so during my lunch break I like to get up and go for  a walk. Not only are you getting exercise, you are getting some vitamin D from the sun.

Also, use the stairs! 

I hope these tips can help you. Which one is your favorite? Do you have any tips?


- Christina


P.S. - Not striving for perfection is key. Some days are better than others. 

21 comments:

  1. Such great advice... especially the password idea. So clever!

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    1. Thank you, Eavan! I read about the password idea in an article. I've been implementing it for a few months. It really helps!

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  2. I need to work on this more too. I used to do squats and jumping jacks on every bathroom break. Time to start that back up.

    http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com

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    1. Yah, it's nice to have a reminder. I try my best to do this every day but sometimes I just don't. Nothing I'm going to beat myself up about. I'll try better the next day.

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  3. Wonderful post. ;-)
    Have a nice weekend...

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  4. I didn't know you were a volleyball stud!! Woo hoo! Have a great weekend:) xoxo

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    1. I thought you'd comment on how I do squats in the bathroom. >.< hehe. I love volleyball. Gonna play next Tuesday night. You have a great weekend as well!

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  5. This tips are really useful, thank you! I really want to implement something like this into my everyday life. :)

    Louise
    http://louiseplace.com

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    1. Thanks for your feedback, Louise! Let me know how it goes!

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  6. I am guilty of going hours and hours without standing up, but I do fidget a lot, so that probably counts as a bit of activity!

    Owl Girl | A London lifestyle blog

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    1. LOL, ya! Right?! Haha. Sometimes I ignore my alarms, so I feel ya.

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  7. I am in awe at people who work a desk job, I can't imagine sitting at a desk for eight hours a day. I chase four kids around all day everyday, and it can be challenging, but you just reminded me how thankful I am to get to do what I do. I need to try the opposite, set an alarm to remind me to sit now and again;) Hope you have a great Monday!

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    1. Haha, that's a great point! It's great that exercise is already incorporated into your day. I want that.

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  8. Great tips! You´re so right :)
    I try to always take the stairs instead of the elevator. That makes a huuuge difference.
    The idea to stand up every hour is amazing.
    And I have to say that I´ve got a benefit: I have a weak bladder... so I have to stand up very often automaticaly :D But I have to remind myself to do some squats every time.. would be a great idea :)
    Have a nice day
    Vanessa

    www.cashmerebow.blogspot.de

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    1. The positives of a weak bladder... haha. I try to drink a ton of water, so yah I get up a lot too.

      I would take the stairs more often but I can only take them going down not up. :(

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  9. Great ideas! I love the one with the alarm clock! I am going to try this out, easy and effective!

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    1. Try it! Let me know how it goes! Sometimes I really ignore them. But it's a good reminder!

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  10. Thank you, Marlen! It's hard to be held accountable sometimes but I'm happy you're so inspired. Gives me an extra push. Thanks, again.

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