People are working more and more hours and will state that they have less time to think about their health and keeping fit. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive, though. Work can help you keep fit and even lose weight. Being fit & healthy will also help you avoid injury at work. Does working an active job help you lose weight?
Working provides you with a routine, and routines are good in helping you stay healthy. You get yourself up at a reasonable time, start work at the same time every day, and have scheduled breaks. This process can be used to manage your diet. If your day isn’t set out, you will be more tempted to snack on rubbish food. A scheduled day will encourage you to eat healthily by planning your meals. Eating smaller meals over the course of the day is proven to help your metabolism and keep your weight down.
Going to work gives you self-confidence and satisfaction that you take into all other aspects of life. You will enjoy social interaction more and be encouraged to join in activities which in themselves will keep you, fitter. Job satisfaction will also reduce work illness. Working also keeps your mind active which is good for your mental health.
Not working can have a negative impact on your health. It can increase stress levels due to gains in financial difficulties and struggling to make ends meet. Being unemployed makes you less active and lethargic, thus less likely to exercise.
Generally, now people are working more hours and feel they have no time to exercise. Our bodies are made to move and not sit at a desk for 12 hours a day. No matter how well you set up your workstation and if you use an ergonomic chair, sitting for an extended period is bad for your body and can cause neck and back injuries. Some jobs are active in their nature, so it is easy to see how these are good for your health.
You can actually utilize your time at work to fit in some exercises and stretches.
Don’t give up your normal exercise routine. Use these as an addition.
Exercises you can do at work (may need an empty office but could be done in the toilet or any empty area)
- Do a minute of jumping jacks.
- Run on the spot for a minute
- Chair squat. This can also be done with stairs or the toilet. Put your feet flat on the floor and sit up. Slowly lower down and repeat 12 times.
- Use your chair handles to perform dips. Using just your arms, raise your body from a bent to a straight arm position.
Stretches at your desk
- Wrist stretch; Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up and take hold of your fingers with your other hand. Lightly pull them back and hold. Repeat this with the other hand.
- Lower back stretch; Make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Hold your right armrest and turn your body to look over your right shoulder, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this 3 times for each side.
- Leg Extension; Assume a good seating posture and extend your right leg until it’s straight. Squeeze your quadriceps and hold for 3 seconds. Lower and repeat 12 times on each leg.
Doing exercises will actually give you more energy and make you more productive. They will help you lose some weight but can’t replicate a full workout. Giving you more energy, they may give you more motivation to be active out of work. Stretching helps you avoid causing injury. Office workers are at risk of injuries such as back or repetitive strain injuries.
The structure a working day gives you and making the most of your surroundings will help keep you fit and healthy and assist you in losing weight. You do still need to be self-motivated and take advantage of all mentioned above. Your job won’t help you at all if you are unwilling to be active and maintain a healthy diet.