Deskercise: Fun Ways to Stay Active While You Work!

If you’ve ever spent hours glued to your desk, you know how quickly the energy can drain and the aches can kick in. But fear not! Staying active while working doesn’t have to mean you have to ditch your desk or take long breaks. Enter “deskercise”—a fun and easy way to keep your body moving and combat the effects of sitting all day. Let’s dive into some simple exercises and activities that you can sneak into your work routine without breaking a sweat (or your concentration)!

1. The Seated Twist

Feeling stiff? The seated twist is a fantastic way to get your spine moving and relieve tension.

How to Do It:

• Sit tall in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Place your right hand on the back of your chair and twist your torso to the right, looking over your shoulder.
• Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
• Repeat 3-5 times on each side.

2. Desk Push-Ups

Who said you can’t get a mini workout in between emails? Desk push-ups are a great way to strengthen your arms and shoulders.

How to Do It:

• Stand a few feet away from your desk.
• Place your hands on the desk and walk your feet back until your body is in a straight line.
• Lower your chest towards the desk, then push back up.
• Do 10-15 repetitions.

3. Chair Dips

Need a quick strength boost? Chair dips are perfect for toning your triceps and improving your upper body strength.

How to Do It:

• Sit on the edge of your chair, hands by your sides.
• Slide your bottom off the chair and lower your body until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
• Push back up to the starting position.
• Aim for 10-15 dips.

4. Standing Calf Raises

It’s time to give those calves some love! Standing calf raises are easy and effective for keeping your legs active.

How to Do It:

• Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly raise your heels off the ground and balance on your toes.
• Lower back down and repeat for 15-20 repetitions.
• You can do this while waiting for your coffee to brew!

5. The Desk Walk

No, this isn’t a workout—you can actually do it while you work! Simply take mini-breaks to walk around your workspace or office.

How to Do It:

• Set a timer for every hour.
• When it goes off, take a brisk walk around your office, or even just around your desk.
• This not only helps your body but also boosts creativity and clears your mind.

6. Arm Circles

Got tension in your shoulders? Arm circles are a simple way to loosen up and improve circulation.

How to Do It:

• Sit or stand up straight and extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
• Make small circles with your arms for about 30 seconds, then switch directions.
• Repeat a couple of times!

7. Stretch It Out

Don’t underestimate the power of a good stretch! Stretching can relieve tension and improve flexibility.

How to Do It:

• Take a few minutes to stand up and stretch your arms overhead.
• Reach side to side to elongate your torso.
• You can also do a gentle neck stretch by tilting your head side to side.

Conclusion

Incorporating deskercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to be daunting. With just a few minutes here and there, you can keep your body active, your mind sharp, and your spirits high! So the next time you feel the midday slump hitting, remember these fun exercises. Your body will thank you, and you might just find yourself more focused and productive throughout the day. Happy deskercising!