A growing body of research shows that exercising at work can boost productivity and job performance. People who stay active during the workday are happier and more successful. They’re also less likely to get involved in workplace conflicts and slam down the phone. Exercise can improve all aspects of your life, including your career.
Exercising at Work Boosts Productivity
Many people use work as an excuse to skip exercise. This is a big mistake. Regular physical activity not only makes you more productive, but also boosts mental focus and overall performance. In a recent study, employees who had access to a worksite gym reported improvements in mood and performance on exercise days, regardless of workload and training intensity.
Even a short walk during your lunch break can increase your energy and ward off fatigue. Any type of exercise can help. Thousands of studies indicate that working out helps prevent depression, lifts your mood, and enhances brain function. By staying active, you’ll deal better with demands and pressures on the job. Workplace workouts can lead to decreased stress, faster learning, sharper memory, and improved concentration.
How to Stay Fit and Active at Work
From parking your car further away from the office to taking the stairs and walking during breaks, there are plenty of ways to stay active at work. If you have your own office, stretch your body once every 30-60 minutes. Do some push-ups, lunges, chest stretches and other simple exercises that increase blood flow. If possible, bring an exercise ball or a set of dumbbells to the office. Use them whenever you have some free time, or while you’re reading or on the phone.
Another simple way to stay active is to trade your car for a bike. Unless your office is located in another city, that shouldn’t be a problem. Get up every hour and take a short walk to a coworker’s office, jog around the building at lunchtime, and go to the gym as soon as you get off work.
Try this routine at the office for a total body toning & tightening session that requires little space!
