5 Activities to Add To Your Workday

To get our team moving, I make it a point to send out two reminders each day. Taking the time to incorporate physical movement is paramount in maintaining health, especially when working in an environment that is pretty sedentary. Like you, we have different work related tasks to do and deadlines to meet, but if we’re able, we take a minute to get in a quick stretch or a few exercises before moving on to the next project. It gets the blood flowing and improves mental clarity.

Here are some ways you can do your body a favor while at work! If you are just getting started with physical activity, do what you can. If you have a unique health condition, talk with your doctor before getting started. 

Neck Stretches
Your neck and spine have been supporting you all day…time to give them some love!

1. Inhale while tilting your head back. Exhale forward
2. Inhale your gaze to the right. Exhale forward. Inhale gaze to the left. Exhale forward
3. Inhale your head to the right. Exhale to center. Inhale your head to the left. Exhale to center
4. Repeat cycle two-three times

Wrist Stretches

1. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing up
2. With your free hand, hold the fingers of extended hand and gently bend your hand back towards the floor
3. Hold for 10 seconds
4. Repeat cycle 2-3 times for each hand

Walking Lunge

1. Stand with your feet should-width apart
2. Take a step forward with your right foot, while at the same time dropping your left knee to the floor
3. Push off with your left foot to raise up out of the lunge and meet your left foot next to your right foot
4. Repeat cycle 10 times for both legs

Alternating Toe Touches

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended out to the side, even when your shoulders
2. Bend at the waist and reach your left hand toward your right foot
3. Return to your starting position and repeat for the other side
4. Shoot for three sets of 10 on each side

Arm Raises

1. Stand with your feet together and arms at your side
2. In a slow, steady motion, raise your arms outward so that your arms are parallel to the floor and even with your shoulders
3. Hold for 3 seconds and return to your starting position
4. Repeat 5 times

These are all great ways to help get active while at work! Try spreading these exercises out throughout the day. Making it a point to get up from your desk or workstation and fill your water bottle is not only a great way to stay hydrated but also gets you moving a bit more. 

I like to send the team a quote each day as well. In case they are not able to get in the exercise, I hope that they find this as a refreshing addition to carry with them during the day.

 “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.” –Vince Lombardi

Mixing up your day with a few healthy habits can completely change your experience at work. Staying active by trying a few of the exercises above, stretching to release tension, or repeating a mantra to keep a positive mindset are all great ways to make the most of your day at work!

Want some more exercise tips? Check out our April Coaching Webinar. It's all about well-rounded workouts. 

If you and your co-workers try any of these exercises, drop us a line or send photos to us at support@healthcheck360.com . We'd love to hear from you! 

Note: before beginning any new exercise program, discuss your exercise plans with your doctor, particularly if you have a unique health condition or injury.