5 Ways to Exercise at Your Desk

Calling all working moms: we’re here with an exercise routine that may make a hell of a difference in your day.

For most of us, eight to ten hours of sitting at a desk job is the norm. Unfortunately, this takes a major toll on our health and posture. According to studies, too much sitting can actually shorten our lives. By the time work is over, we have to go home, make dinner, play with the kids, do bath time, read stories… you know, the usual. So, when do you have time to get up and exercise?

Well, you could give desk exercises a go. Better than nothing, right? Here are five different ways that you can exercise at your desk:

#1: Desk dips. To work on upper body strength, place your butt on the edge of the desk while keeping your palms on the edge of the desk on either side of you. Keep your feet together and bend at the elbows. Your “dip” should resemble a squat. Do this 20-30 times.

#2: Leg lifts. Take turns lifting your legs, at least 15-20 reps. Extend one leg and hold it in front of you for two seconds before raising it as high as you can, and holding for another two.

#3: Take the stairs! This is simple and can get your blood pumping. Go up and down the stairs a couple times to really get your heartbeat racing.

#4: Medicine ball. Instead of a regular chair, use a medicine ball to work your core.

#5: Arm pumps. Simply pump both of your arms over your head for 30 seconds. Do this a couple times throughout the day to feel the burn.

If you can get away from your desk, even better. Take a walk around the building on your lunch break – you can even start a walking club with some coworkers that you don’t despise.

Do you ever exercise at your desk? Share your secrets with us, woman!

Oh, and if you are interested in learning more about how sitting can negatively affect your health, check out this great Huffington Post article.