Skip to content
Your health starts here.
  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • Exercise Database
  • Workouts
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Newsfeed
Menu
  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • Exercise Database
  • Workouts
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Newsfeed
“Your health starts here.”
  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • Exercise Database
  • Workouts
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Newsfeed
Menu
  • Home
  • Meet The Team
  • Exercise Database
  • Workouts
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • Newsfeed
Search
Close

How to Stay Active Working from Home

Remember those mornings, not too long ago, that you strapped on your bicycle helmet and pedaled a few miles to your workplace? Or the lunch hours you spent on a jog with other sporty colleagues before returning to your desk? What about the long, head-clearing walks home from the office in the evenings?

Working from home can offer many benefits—cozy surroundings, daytime pajama bottoms, and great coffee, to name a few. But transitioning from an office building to a corner of your bedroom or a backyard studio affects some workers adversely.

Per Gallup research, some remote employees have reported increased depression and loneliness, and some state that it’s difficult to stay physically active without the habits they’ve cultivated over years of in-person work. (Think lunchtime tennis with colleagues or a daily group power walk between meetings.)

It’s no secret that exercise increases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that flood our brains and contribute to a sense of wellbeing. Without it, we can feel anxious and sluggish. Fortunately, ways to ensure daily movement when you work from home abound. And you can tailor routines to your particular needs to keep your body and mind at peak fitness.

 

 

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Here are several strategies that will help you maintain a workout routine while working from home.

 

Start the day in workout clothes

Many people sit down at their desk each day in workout clothes and sneakers and keep a yoga mat and a weight set, balance disc, exercise bands, or other fitness equipment close at hand. This step makes it easy to transition into exercise whenever time allows.

 

Prep your gear in advance

If you’re more of an outside exerciser, gather your gear the night before so that when it’s time to walk, run, bike, or strap on the in-line skates, you’ll have everything you need without searching for missing earbuds or kneepads.

 

Schedule workouts on the calendar

You’re already in the habit of scheduling business Zoom meetings on your calendar. Treat your daily workout with the same respect. Write down the specific time you’ll exercise each day in your day planner and note the type of activity you plan to do. One tip for scheduling: Some studies suggest exercising at the same time each day helps instill movement as a habit.

 

Vary your workouts

Perhaps Mondays you’ll jog three miles, Tuesdays you’ll do a home yoga practice, and Wednesdays you’ll pedal on a stationary bike for an hour or ride outside. Mix things up to keep your exercise routine fresh and exciting, so it’s something to look forward to rather than dread.

 

Consider a fitness tracker

While not for everyone, a fitness tracker on your phone or wrist allows you to create step goals for the day and provides a small motivational reward when you’ve met those goals—usually a vibration, sound, and/or fun graphic. Such devices could reduce sedentary behavior and increase movement. If you’re wild about new running and bicycling routes, sign up for a program such as Strava, which helps you find the perfect trail while allowing you to meet and compare notes with other users online.

 

Work toward a goal

If you’re goal-oriented, sign up for a 5K walk, a 10K run, or another competitive exercise event. If you crave a sense of community in your workout routine, sign on with a group such as the Train Like a Mother Club, which offers training plans, strength-training videos, and social media support. Or go digital with free and low-cost apps and fitness groups. You could even challenge colleagues to join you in a Facetime or Skype workout.

 

Don’t give up

Even the most diligent among us has to miss a business meeting sometimes. Likewise, if you have to skip a scheduled workout, it’s not the end of the world. Be flexible and consider whether you could sneak in a 30-minute evening walk. Even half an hour of moderate movement has remarkable benefits, such as increasing muscle and bone strength, improving heart and lung fitness, and reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

 

HOW TO STAY ACTIVE AT HOME

Numerous studies have linked prolonged sitting to a higher risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, as well as increased risk of physical disability as we age. One study even found that middle-aged adults who sit more than nine hours a day double their risk of early death.

Here’s the good news: The same study found that a brisk, 24-minute daily walk can help counteract the effects of staying sedentary. Plus, your dog (if you have one) will thank you!

Don’t have a spare 24 minutes in the middle of your workday? Note that getting up and moving every half hour reduces the harms of prolonged sitting, according to a 2017 study.

 

To move more, consider the Pomodoro Technique. It was developed in the 1990s by Francesco Cirillo, who used a tomato-shaped timer to get more physical activity during his workday. Here’s how it works:

  • Choose a task.
  • Set a timer for 25 minutes.
  • Work on the task until the timer rings.
  • Take a five-minute break to stretch, walk, do jumping jacks, wash the dishes, clean the cat’s litter box—whatever gets you moving.
  • Set the timer for another 25 minutes, followed by another five-minute break.
  • After four 25-minute segments, take a longer break—between 15 and 30 minutes—and then repeat the routine.

You could also consider a sit & stand desk, which allows you to change up your work positions all day. This can lessen back pain and burn calories. Or pedal at a cycling workstation, which can increase your heart rate and lower blood pressure while you’re writing a memo or report.

 

 

Here are a few more ideas for quick bursts of activity that can help you boost brainpower and physical health in the midst of your workday.

 

Move during virtual meetings

Turn off your camera and stretch, march in place, spin on an indoor bicycle, or work out with exercise bands.

 

Run up and down stairs

As any football player or track star can tell you, running stairs or bleachers is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Bonus: It also strengthens multiple muscle groups and improves balance.

 

Do bodyweight exercises

Do pushups, squats, mountain climbers, and/or wall sits. Need inspiration? Check out Lifehack’s 7 minute workout, which includes 12 exercises that require only a chair, a wall, and your bodyweight.

 

Hold the plank pose for 30 seconds

The classic yoga/Pilates posture strengthens your abdominal muscles along with the rest of your core.

 

Put on your favorite music and dance

Dance is gentle on the body, and research suggests it boosts both mood and cognitive performance.

 

Do a workout video

Trying different workout videos can shake up your routine and take the guesswork out of exercising. Consider something like Yoga with Adriene, which is free and low key and provides terrific workouts. Bonus: Adrienne’s dog makes frequent appearances on her videos.

 

Jump on a mini trampoline

Also, check out this 30-minute, full-body workout from the New York Times, in which the jump rope plays a starring role.

 

Lift weights

Don’t have dumbbells? Large cans of fruit or vegetables work great, as do jugs of water or bags of onions or potatoes.

 

Take business calls while walking around outside

Studies show that time outside boosts mental health and reduces stress.

 

Do yoga poses

Use a free online resource (such as this one) to design your own yoga routine. A quick stretch break can rejuvenate your body and mind.

No matter your preferred workout, don’t forget to hydrate and blast your favorite tunes to stay motivated!

 

CONCLUSION

Regardless of whether you’re an individual who’s decided to commit to daily physical activity while working at home or an employer devoted to supporting their employees in moving more during the workday, you’ll reap the benefits of increased exercise.

After just a few weeks of increased activity, team members should begin to notice increased strength and endurance along with improved sleep, enhanced job performance, and a greater sense of wellbeing. Set that timer, jump up, and move!

 

 

Melissa Hart is the author of Better with Books: 500 Diverse Novels to Ignite Empathy and Encourage Self-Acceptance in Tweens and Teens and the award-winning middle grade novel Avenging the Owl.

Original article can be viewed in its entirety at quill.com.

Family Health,Featured,Health & Beauty,Workouts
/
Follow Us On
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram
Categories
Body Sculpting
Family Health
Featured
Health & Beauty
Military Fitness
Navy SEAL Fitness
Gallery

getfitnowdotcom

What is it about compliments that make us so uncom What is it about compliments that make us so uncomfortable and how can we shift our mindset to better receive them? Let’s take a look: https://getfitnow.com/how-to-reframe-compliments/ (link in bio)

#compliments #mindset #healthymindset #positivevibes
“Building Resilient Teams” is an essential how “Building Resilient Teams” is an essential how-to guide to building more efficient and successful organizations at work, in our communities, and in the world as we discover how our humanity transcends all.

Pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578269407 (link in bio)

#teambuilding #teamwork #organizationalsuccess #workteam #companyculture
Get outside and enjoy nature today in celebration Get outside and enjoy nature today in celebration of Take a Walk in the Park Day!

#takeawalkintheparkday #takeawalkinthepark #getoutside #exercise #exercisemotivation
#WorkoutWednesday #WorkoutWednesday
8 Times You Should Take a Rest Day: https://getfit 8 Times You Should Take a Rest Day: https://getfitnow.com/8-times-you-should-take-a-rest-day/ (link in bio)

#restday #restdays #fitnesslife #workoutlife #betterworkouts
#MotivationMonday #gymmotivation #workoutmotivatio #MotivationMonday #gymmotivation #workoutmotivation #fitspiration #mondaymotivation
Did you know today is National Spinach Day? We lov Did you know today is National Spinach Day? We love this superfood!

#nationalspinachday #spinach #healthyeating #healthyeats #nutrition
Happy National Pecan Day! Pecans are a quality sou Happy National Pecan Day! Pecans are a quality source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

#nationalpecanday #pecans #nutrition #healthyfood #healthysnacks
10 Tips for Spring Weight Loss and Fitness: https: 10 Tips for Spring Weight Loss and Fitness: https://getfitnow.com/10-tips-spring-weight-loss-fitness/ (link in bio)

#weightloss #weightlossjourney #fitness #fitnessjourney #springworkout
Get expert health & fitness tips, videos, workouts Get expert health & fitness tips, videos, workouts, recipes and more by subscribing to our monthly newsletter at www.getfitnow.com.

#healthandfitness #healthandwellness #fitnesscommunity #workouts #recipes
Today is World Water Day! Are you hydrating daily? Today is World Water Day! Are you hydrating daily?

#worldwaterday #water #hydrate #hydration #drinkwater
POLL: Do you practice yoga? #yoga #yogapractice # POLL: Do you practice yoga?

#yoga #yogapractice #yogalove #yogacommunity #yogalife
#MotivationMonday #fitnessmotivation #exercisemoti #MotivationMonday #fitnessmotivation #exercisemotivation #workoutmotivation #mondaymotivation
What was the last workout you did? #workout #work What was the last workout you did?

#workout #workoutlife #gymlife #gymtime #fitnesslifestyle
In honor of Global Recycling Day, take a look at t In honor of Global Recycling Day, take a look at the essential guide for plastic-free living “Say Goodbye to Plastic” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578268605 (link in bio)

#globalrecyclingday #recyclingday #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #savetheplanet
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Get your Irish on with Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Get your Irish on with 100 recipes in “A Return to Ireland”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578269350 (link in bio)

#stpatricksday #stpattysday #ireland #irishcooking #irishfood #irishrecipes
Where do you like to bike? #biking #cycling #fitl Where do you like to bike?

#biking #cycling #fitlife #fitlifestyle #getmoving
March is National Celery Month! Celery is rich in March is National Celery Month! Celery is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, vitamin C, lunularin and bergapten.

#nationalcelerymonth #celery #healthyfood #healthyeating #healthyeats
Written by the founder of International Phone Free Written by the founder of International Phone Free Day through his research and first-hand experiences, “Tech-Life Balance” offers a low-key, fun way to investigate this digital dilemma and provides real solutions and life hacks to break the addiction once and for all in a little and gifty package.

Pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578269660 (link in bio)

#techlifebalance #digitalworld #technologyaddict #technologyaddiction #healthylifestyle
#MotivationMonday #mondaymotivation #healthymindse #MotivationMonday #mondaymotivation #healthymindset #positivemindset #growthmindset
Load More... Follow on Instagram

JOIN GETFITNOW

It’s Fitness 24/7. Videos, Workouts, Nutrition, Recipes, Tips, and more!
* indicates required

  • Home
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Submissions
  • Follow us on Facebook
Menu
  • Home
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Submissions
  • Follow us on Facebook
Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Pinterest Instagram
Get Fit Now © Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • Website Maintenance Prateeksha Web Design

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required