A sedentary lifestyle is among the top leading causes of chronic disease. In a 2006-2011 study of adults ages 21 and up, researchers found that on average healthcare costs were 1.05 trillion dollars per year. Among the conditions attributing to the high costs are diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression...the list goes on.Between your job and life outside of work it's easy to skip going to the gym or forgetting exercise altogether. So instead of tipping the scale toward disease, but rather towards a healthy work-life balance with lots of ways to get in your physical activity, here are my top three creative ways to meet your exercise goals while crushing it at work!
Number One: The Work Walker
Personally, I focus extremely well when I step outside for a walk, so this is the perfect time for me to work on projects that I can type up on my phone or iPad. Sometimes I walk and work in my neighborhood, downtown, around my office, on our community trail, or even while hitting a nature trail. Of course, please do not try this if you are not comfortable having your attention misdirected from your coordination.
Number Two: The Work Commute
I know this is not practical for everyone, but for myself, I live in an area where my job is under ten miles from my house, and the roadways offer fairly safe bike lanes. So I pack up my backpack with the daily necessities: food, water, spare clothes, iPad, and of course, my safety equipment, then I am off for my work day.
Number Three: The Meeting Queen (or King)
This is something that is really for everyone. You are sitting at your desk and your calendar chimes reminding you about that meeting call you need to jump on. This is the perfect time to do some desk exercises or stretches. Personally, when I’m on a call, I like to do a few minutes of high knees, back twists, neck rolls and ankle circles to work out some kinks in my body.I hope you’ve enjoyed my creative ways to intertwine work and exercise. Now, we want to hear what you are doing. Let us know! Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHWC, CPT, CMS
Health Advisor | Email Casey
