Keeping Your Body Going When You Leave The Gym

Between a hectic work schedule, and household issues to contend with, it's often hard to find the time to work out. Even when we manage to squeeze in an hour or two per week at the gym, our bodies can feel tired and sluggish the rest of the time. That's why it's important to find creative ways to stay active and keep fit - even at the office!

Here are some ways you can keep your juices flowing right from your desk:

Ab crunches - Who says you have to be flat on your back on a yoga mat to get in some ab crunches? If you can work at your desk, you can work out at your desk too - no need for fancy equipment. From where you're sitting take a few minutes out of your day sporadically to flex your stomach muscles, contracting and holding them for ten seconds and then loosening up. Be sure to sit up straight. This will strengthen your back and abs and you will feel the calories burning from your lunch break in no time!   

Walk - Take as many opportunities as you can throughout the day to move around and keep your legs going. Instead of packing a lunch to bring to the office, take a walk on your break to go pick something up. Park your car on the farthest side of the lot so that your trek is a bit more effort than usual.

Stretch  - In the morning before you leave, get some good stretches in to loosen up your joints and relax your muscles. While at work you can also get some stretch time in by spreading your arms out, reaching for your elbows, bending over to pick items up off the floor, etc.

Take the stairs - If you're used to taking the elevators or escalators in your building, or even on the subway, start making it a priority to take the stairs. Don't feel you have to run like it's a marathon and work up a sweat from floor to floor, just give your feet an extra challenge during the day!  

Image from MorgueFile 

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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