Just Breathe

Is your schedule so jam-packed that finding time for physical fitness is like looking for a needle in a haystack? If so then read on to find eight ways to stay in shape (or get in better shape) during your workday.

Here are 8 ways to make it work

1. Cars are not the only mode of transportation.
   If you must drive your car to work then park in a place that will allow you to do a bit of walking before you reach the front of your office building. An even better suggestion is to take the stress out of your commute by taking the bus or subway to work. Then get off the bus one or more stops early and engage in a five to ten minute stroll to work. This commuting option also affords you the opportunity to take a breather before the work of the day begins. Biking to work is another option. Some bus lines in some cities even allow bikes to be brought right onto the buses. If your commute to work is too far to just cycle, keep this option in mind.
2. Exercise and stretch while you work.

   There are very simple exercises that can be done at your desk even while you are busy typing away on your computer or talking on the telephone. And don’t forget the importance of stretching those muscles! Stretch while sitting and then stand up and stretch again. Muscles tense up and get stiff when they are stationary for long periods of time. This can cause you to develop a sore neck and back which is something you definitely don’t want. If it occurs on a long-term basis, it can cause chronic health problems.

3. Pay attention to the shoes you wear.

   Ladies, heels are fine but don’t sacrifice comfort for style when you are at work. Wear comfortable (but stylish) shoes when you are traveling back and forth to work and the same thing for when you are at work. It is possible to find shoes that will be good to your feet but still look good to the discerning fashion eye. But if you must wear heels, go for lower heeled ones that allow you to move quickly about your workplace. And wear shoes that won’t kill your feet after you’ve walked up and down the stairs a gazillion times a day.

4. Take the stairs.

   Take the stairs whenever possible. Walking up and down stairs provides a fantastic workout for the heart as it really gets the blood pumping. Here’s something to try, it’s called “power stepping” (just don’t try it when someone’s looking!). Walk up two steps of the staircase and then come back down two. Repeat this action for anywhere from five to ten minutes and see how invigorated you feel afterwards.

5. Start your own club.

   Encourage others in your workplace to walk on their breaks or lunch hours by starting a walking club. Even on a given day if there is only the two of you that’s still fine! Fitness is so much more fun when you have someone to share it with. And by walking and chatting with others it makes the time go by faster. You’ll enjoy yourself so much that you’ll swear you weren’t exercising at all.

6. Exercise breaks are important for everyone.

   If you are not an office worker and instead work at home, keep in mind that exercise should still be a priority. Sometimes freelancers or other at home workers have a more difficult time getting motivated as they are stressed by deadlines, bothered by distractions and also have no co workers to walk or exercise with them throughout the workday. You can still motivate yourself by looking upon physical fitness as an integral part of your busy life and planning time for it. Think of it as a meeting or a concentration booster and pencil it into your day planner and then go to it!

7. Stay at home moms should team together.

   If you are a stay at home mom you understand the pressures of raising kids and probably find little time throughout the day for your own needs. But exercise is necessary for mothers just as it is for everyone else. Get all the stay at home moms in your neighborhood together and decide on a day (or days) and time for fitness and then allow each mother to take turns being the babysitter for all the kids while the others do their thing.

8. Don’t discount the value of housework work.

   Whether you work at home or not, remember that doing simple chores around the house and yard such as vacuuming, dusting, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds burns calories and counts towards your week’s exercise quota. And running up and down steps or stairs carrying laundry, groceries, gardening supplies or kids toys is an excellent way to keep energetic and fit. Don’t discount this method of fitting exercise into your bustling daily routine.