HEALTH
Fitness
10 office exercises to combat stress and weight gain
Last Updated: Friday, November 20, 2009 | 8:19 AM ET
By Tisa Silver, Forbes.com
Related
While working a desk-job, it can be easy to gain weight. After all, your cubicle holds everything you need to keep you sitting still. If it is hard for you to get away from the desk, here are some fun, easy exercises you can do in your office.
1. Bicep curls
A water bottle makes an excellent substitute for a dumbbell. Sitting tall with your abs pulled in, hold the water bottle in your right hand and with a curling motion, bring the bottle towards your shoulder. Repeat fifteen times and move to the other side. (Find out how to make fitness part of your budget. Check out Get The Best Deals On Gym Memberships.)
2. Shadow boxing
If you have your own office or you can borrow one for a minute or two, channel your inner Rocky Balboa with some shadow boxing. If you have enough space, walk around the make-believe boxing ring. A minute or two of sparring can pack a powerful punch by getting your heart rate up.
3. Throw your hands in the air
Doing a bit of yoga can help relieve tension. (iStockphoto)You may see people "raising the roof" at sporting events, but doing it at your desk can give you a boost. You can use this move while standing or seated at your desk. For 30 seconds, pump both arms over your head. Take a break and repeat three to five times.
4. Leg extensions
While seated, begin by holding in your abdominal muscles and sitting tall. Extend your left leg until it is level with your hip. Hold in place for two seconds and lower your leg, being careful not to let your foot simply fall to the floor. Repeat 15 times and then move to the right side.
5. Lift yourself up
Place both hands on the arms of your chair and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down, but not all the way. Hold yourself just above the seat for a few seconds. Repeat 15 times for a good workout of your shoulders and chest.
6. Release some tension
According to WebMD, doing a bit of yoga can help relieve tension. Begin seated and facing forward. Turn your head to the left while turning your torso to the right. Keep this position for a few seconds, then repeat 15 times, alternating sides.
7. A little bit of hang time
You will need your chair and desk for this exercise which can stretch your back and work your arms. Hanging on to your desk, push your chair back slowly. Stop when you are head is between your arms and you are looking at the floor. Pull yourself back in slowly and repeat fifteen times. (Make sure you have a desk by choosing your career wisely. Don't miss The 9 Worst Career Choices Right Now.)
8. Twist away your waistline
Begin by sitting at your desk, keeping your knees and hips forward. While holding a water bottle at chest level, twist to the right as far as you can without straining. You should feel your abdominal muscles contract. Twist back to the center. Repeat the entire exercise ten times.
9. Dips minus the chips
While seated, place your hands on your chair and next to your hips. Place your hips in front of chair and lower your body until your elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle. Push yourself back up and repeat fifteen times. A stable chair is important, so be extremely careful if your chair has wheels.
10. Kick Butt
Nothing can jump start your day like a swift kick in the rear. Stand with one leg straight and using the other leg, try to bring your heel to your buttocks. Do this exercise fifteen times on each leg.
As with any exercise, do not push yourself too far since improper form can lead to injury. By taking just a few minutes each day, you can alleviate stress and make your body happy.
Share Tools
Top News Headlines
- CP Rail negotiations 'stalled,' union says
- Negotiations between Canadian Pacific Railway Lt. and the union representing 4,800 striking locomotive engineers and conductors have come to a "stall" after the government appointed mediator walked out at 2 p.m. ET, a union spokesman says. more »
- UN Security Council blames Syrian regime for massacre
- The UN Security Council condemned the Syrian regime at an emergency meeting Sunday, holding president Bashar al-Assad's military responsible for the massacre of more than 100 people, dozens of whom were children younger than 10 years old. more »
- Ryder Hesjedal wins prestigious Giro d'Italia
- Victoria, B.C., native Ryder Hesjedal has become the first Canadian to win one of the cycling world's three Grand Tour events, wrapping up the 2012 Giro d'Italia with an excellent performance in the final stage in Milan. more »
- Neighbour may have helped find missing kids in Mexico
- Two Winnipeg children who had been missing for nearly four years were found in Mexico after a man raised concerns about his neighbour, according to a private investigator. more »
Latest Health News Headlines
- Alcohol addiction team wants higher energy drink prices
- Mixing alcohol with caffeine-rich energy beverages is a trend that is continuing to rise in Canada, despite repeated warnings that the combination is unsafe, a new report warns. more »
- How curry spice helps the immune system kill bacteria
- A spice used in curry dishes helps to prevent infection and now scientists think they've got a lead on how. more »
- Calgary EMS station opens to the public
- Curious Calgarians got a look at a northwest EMS station this morning. more »
- Yellowknife toddlers catching hand, foot and mouth virus
- An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Yellowknife is causing many toddlers and their parents some major discomfort. more »
FEATURED HEALTH
- Teen struck by lightning in Ottawa dies
- Missing Winnipeg children found in Mexico
- Quebec tornadoes cause millions in damage
- Montreal protesters march in peaceful defiance
- UN Security Council blames Syrian regime for massacre
- Woman's remains found in hockey bag on Cape Breton river
- Everest team unable to bring down Toronto woman's body
- WWE apologizes to Brazil over Canadian's flag stomp
- Lady Gaga nixes Indonesia show after threats


