Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’ve got a job in the tech industry and/or spend a lot of time gaming. Sitting all day can end up taking a toll on your health in the long run, but it can be difficult to motivate yourself to move at the end of a workday. Here are a few ideas to help you get and stay active, even on your laziest work days.
Get a Standing Desk
While the fad of standing desks has faded somewhat, their benefits are still very relevant to those who work desk jobs. It may not seem like a radical difference, but being able to change posture throughout the day can help with prolonged energy throughout the day, better posture to relieve and prevent back pain, and getting your circulation going. Who knows, maybe the improved blood flow could help you solve work problems or beat the final boss in your game! Standing can also burn more calories than sitting, which means you’ll already be on your way to a more active day just by making this small change.
Find a Sport You Enjoy
Participating in sports as an adult can be intimidating. If you’re outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, joining an adult sports league is a great way to be more active and broaden your social horizons. For those who want to start too slow with someone beginner-friendly, getting a couple of pickleball paddles and heading to the park with a friend can be a great way to get some movement in after work. You could also try taking a martial arts or dance class, where everyone will be on equal footing and you’ll have the benefit of an instructor to help you get started.
Wii Games
This suggestion might come as a surprise, but it makes sense that if you’re someone who enjoys gaming, getting a game that requires you to move around could be a great way to get more activity in your day. Wii Sports, for example, has options like tennis and volleyball that will get your heart pumping surprisingly fast. Wii Dance is a great way to forget you’re exercising – and maybe learn a few new dance moves while you’re at it. These games can be played alone or with friends, and are a great way to pass the time if you live in an area with lots of snow or rain.
Start Walking
As far as cheapness and accessibility go, you can’t beat walking as a form of exercise. Sure, it’s not going to yield an athletic build or bodybuilder’s muscles, but walking has a ton of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. All you need is a pair of shoes and somewhere safe to walk and you’re on your way. Walking is an activity suitable for all ages, with surprising pay-offs like a decreased risk of breast cancer, boosted immune function, and a decrease in those pesky sweet-tooth cravings. Throw on a podcast or some music, and a thirty-minute walk will zoom past before you know it.
Activity Timers
If you struggle to be active outside of work, or really detest having to sit (or stand) all day, it’s possible to get some activity in during work, as well. One fun way to do this is by setting timers once an hour or so to get up and move. You could do jumping jacks, planks, stretches, or just pace around your home for five minutes or so – just make sure you don’t get too sweaty!
Just a little bit of regular movement throughout the day can make a massive difference in how you feel and how you work. Being a healthier, more active person doesn’t have to mean buying expensive gym memberships or attending intimidating fitness classes. By incorporating one or more of these tips into your life, you could start to see health benefits in no time at all.
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