5 more ways to keep fit and healthy at work
6. Use the stairs instead of the lift
If you work in an office, walking up stairs could be the best exercise you get all day. Walking uphill uses more energy than walking on the flat, it's also a great aerobic exercise (which means it gets your heart beating fast) and it's cheaper than going to the gym. Use the stairs every day for two months and we promise you'll notice a big difference in your fitness levels. And the fitter you are, the more energy you'll have to tackle even more stairs!
7. Sit up straight
Maintaining a good posture with your tummy tucked in will help ward off back problems, which office workers are particularly prone to, and it can stop you developing a flabby middle too. Clench and release stomach and buttock muscles while you sit. It's simple and it really helps to keep you toned.
8. Fidget!
Start wiggling your toes and fingers and tapping your feet. Fidgeting can burn enough energy to help you lose weight and it can have a more powerful effect on body shape than exercise. Scientists have discovered that overweight people sit still for two-and-a-half hours longer each day than normal weight people. This means that they burn 350 fewer calories per day - the equivalent of a half hour run.
9. Make your own packed lunch
It will save a fortune and it keep you away from the work canteen. But don't eat your lunch at your desk. Get out of the office - you deserve a break. Bring in your own snack bag too so you're not tempted by the cake shop next door to the office.
10. Cut down on cappuccino
An average coffee shop cappuccino contains around 170 calories and won't fill you up. Swap it for a cup of green tea which has many health benefits. It can boost your immune system and help you fight headaches, depression and even cancer. Some people swear it helps them lose weight too.
For more information go to www.patient.co.uk
Where to next?
- Improve your diet with these simple healthy eating recipes
- If you're thinking of joining the gym, read our 5 point guide before you sign up
- Share tips for keeping fit with other goodtoknow users in our chat forums
By Kate Corr
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