Exercises for Every Day

Working 9 to 5 can really affect your lifestyle. If you have a desk job, it can be especially difficult to fit exercise into your daily routine. However, there is still a lot you can do to shift those excess pounds during the working day.

A calorie-burning commute

The journey to work is a great opportunity to fit in some gentle exercise. If at all possible, you should walk, jog or run to work. As well as helping to improve your fitness, running to work could help you improve your time-keeping and boost your popularity with the boss. Cycling to work will also help tone your muscles and burn calories plus it’s a fun and environmentally friendly way to do the daily commute. If you need to drive or take public transport to get to the office, you should try to park slightly further away than you usually would or get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way instead. Even this little bit of exercise is better than nothing.

A workout at work

When you are sitting at your desk, there is still a lot you can do to work off the pounds. While you’re working, you can do sets of ankle curls. This takes minimal effort but goes a long way to improving circulation and strengthening the ankle joints. Tensing and relaxing your stomach while sitting will help tone the muscles in an area where many people carry excess fat. You can also do neck rolls, leg lifts and shoulder rolls while sitting at your desk.

Why not use your lunch break to go for a leisurely stroll? Getting away from your desk during your lunch hour can be good for your health, especially if you work at a computer and want to give your eyes a rest. A walk will help to get your circulation going after long hours of sitting, and will also aid digestion. You can also take advantage of your herbal tea breaks to stretch your legs.

Health at home

When you get back home after a day’s work, you might not feel like exercising, but don’t forget that everyday activities can also burn calories. Housework is a great way to use energy. If you want to do something more exciting and interesting, you should put your favorite music on and have a quick dance around the living room.

Another way to get fitter is to join an exercise class at the local gym. Classes are often on in the evening, and they’re a great way to meet new people whilst improving your fitness. As you can see, there is plenty you can do to fit exercise into your everyday life. Having a desk job doesn’t necessarily confine you to an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle.

You can get useful advice and information about exercise on www.gillianmckeith.info.

Gillian McKeith is a pioneering nutritionist, who has helped numerous people become healthier, happier and more fulfilled. She is the author of the newest bestselling book ‘Gillian McKeith’s Food Bible’, and known around the world for her television programme You Are What You Eat.