Here’s how you can exercise at your desk

A nine-to-five job shouldn’t stop you from doing squats, push-ups, and even desk exercises

Photo by Jason Strull/Unsplash

Save for a few exceptions, there probably isn’t anything we do more often than sitting down. Each day, we wake up, stand for a few minutes to get ready for work, sit in our cars or trains (if we’re lucky enough to get seats), sit at our desks all afternoon, and then go back to our homes where we can’t seem to wait to start sitting down again.

This toxic cycle is so deeply embedded in our everyday lives that it becomes too easy for us to take it as a given. It also doesn’t raise much suspicion as it seems like we’ve all agreed that it’s something that’s tacitly programmed into every life. But we can’t keep ignoring the fact that our sedentary ways are lethal.

The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 3.2 million deaths can be attributed to lack of physical activity. Sitting down for long stretches of time heightens risks for obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Fortunately enough, more and more people are starting to take notice: There is a growing trend in workplaces that vies for walking meetings and the use of standing desks. As in our previous article, incorporating any kind of physical activity into your day is a great first step towards living a healthier life—and the good news is that you can do it in the confines of your desk. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best exercises you can do at work.

Basic desk exercises you can start doing

Follow these simple exercises to avoid neck and back pains, and risks for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Desk yoga

You can even do yoga at your desk.

More workouts

The more times you can get up from your seat, the better. If you get the chance to stand up from your seat or even leave your desk, try these out.