How to incorporate fitness into your working life
Some of the main excuses for people not
working out are that they are too busy with work or too tired when they get
home.
Imagine if you could do your exercise while
at work? Effectively means you’re getting paid to do it… well not exactly but
it’s a nice thought!
I used to be super jealous when one of my
friends told me she’d go running on her lunch break, while I’d use my hour
reading trashy magazines, online shopping and going for that after lunch snack!
It got me thinking how I’d be able to
incorporate exercise into my day, giving me energy and motivation to get
through that afternoon slump and also free up the time I’d spend doing it after
work anyway. This thought was too good not to give it a shot.
Monique de Dios, personal trainer and
author of fitness e-book Dizzy’s Secrets
to Sexy agrees.
“I defiantly think
that people complicate how easy it can be to get in some exercise during your
work hours.” She says.
For me it comes down to being well
organized and having a stash of exercise gear and also the essential touch up
items.
Even if your office doesn’t have showers
you can still fake it by taking the essential after exercise hygiene products-
Face wipes, hair brush, deodorant, feminine
wipes as well as a towel and make up bag. I tend to have a stash in my desk
draw, just some tinted moisturizer and bronzer to reapply. Leave yourself 5 or 10mins after your workout
to change and freshen up… and Voila! Another handy tip is to not put mascara on
in the morning, sweaty mascara streaks is NEVER a good look!
Other
key items- Workout gear, yoga mat, weights and the right apps –
If it’s a particularly hot day or I’m
feeling stressed I’ll often just take my yoga mat to the nearest park, plonk it
down under a shady tree and stretch out. Sometimes several girls from the
office join in as well. Not only is it good exercise but the relaxation you
feel when you get back into work is definitely worth all the weird looks from
people who walk by!
Running on your lunch break is also very
liberating, if you’re worried about being too sweaty when you get back then you
can break it up with walking or have a longer cool down period at the end.
Running apps such as Run Keeper are great as they track distance and allow you
to keep an eye on how long you have been. I’m lucky enough to work near the
beach so a cruisy jog along the water is a great way to shake off any tension
from the morning.
Fitness apps that let you choose workout
length are also great when you’re on a time limit. You can grab some hands
weights and a mat, find a nice bit of grass outside on a good day or close your
office door with a back in 15min sign and choose a 5, 8 or 10 minute workout to
do.
“Go up and down the
stairs a few times on your breaks or do a quick workout using your body weight.
Body weighted exercises are very effective I use them with my clients all the
time.”
Her favourites are walking lunges, jump
squats, burpees and push ups.
“Also try bringing a jump rope with
you. Did you know that 10 mins of skipping can burn the same calories as 30 min
of jogging? It's convenient and gets you burning calories in no time. Stop wasting
those breaks being bored and lazy and get active!!”
Exercising at work not only gets you away
from the desk and makes you feel great but you are more likely to choose
healthier choices to eat as well. Your brain will crave a light salad or some
fruit after a work out rather than a pie or fried food.
I’ve also found that by keeping my stuff in
the car or at the office means I’m prepared if I decide to head to yoga after
work at the last minute or a girlfriend invites me to do an afternoon walk. And
it’s even made my bosses think that I must be extra efficient and driven, they
have mentioned on several occasions that they admire my motivation… Who’d have
thought that exercise could put you in line for a promotion? Double tick ;)
For more helpful tips check out Dizzy’s Secrets to Sexy for inspiration
and ideas to keep you energetic and fit!