Exercise has plenty of benefits – it helps prevent diseases such as diabetes and cancer, improves stamina, strengthens and tones your body, enhances flexibility, and helps control weight. Busy work schedule may leave us little time for the gym, but there is no excuse not to spend at least 10 minutes a day to work your muscles. We recommend these four simple exercises you can try at work.
1. Stairs Master
Unless your office is located on the 55th floor of the building, it’s always good to walk up the stairs in the morning to elevate your heart rate. To enhance this exercise, take two stairs at a time for an ultimate leg burn.
2. Be the Office Wanderer
Do you dial a phone extension or use Skype to contact your colleagues within the office compound? Try walking to them instead. A stroll down the hall strengthens the heart and lungs, which leads to an increase in overall fitness. Doctors also claim that walking improves muscle endurance, boosts blood circulation, and assists with weight loss.
3. The Good Shrug
Shrugging may not always be a bad thing. Try raising both of your shoulders up and hold it there for five seconds. Repeat this action for 15 reps. Shoulder shrugs work to strengthen and build your trapezius muscles (the muscles near your shoulders). Remember, instead of rolling your shoulders, focus on shrugging them for better effects.
4. All About the Posture
To work on your core, focus on your posture (it’s a great exercise if you spend hours at your desk). Ensure that your feet, hips, and arms are at 90-degree angle to the ground, and then squeeze your core as often as you can. This corrects your posture and keeps you from slouching, which makes you look more confident!