Excuses are like jobs, everyone has one or they really want a good one. However, excuses are not in my book, The 4x4 Diet. It's time to drop the excuses and find the results. I have some go-to moves that you can do at your desk and in your car and are subtle enough to spare you strange looks from your coworkers, yet effective enough to make a real dent in your sedentary time. Happy deskercising to all you aspiring desk jockeys out there!
Smokers take smoke breaks and, so why can't health aficionados we also take wellness breaks throughout the day, to help take care of our bodies? Remember, small moves in the right direction add up, and taking some time for yourself and it will pay off in the long run. With just a little bit of planning, you can really create a healthy atmosphere that just might inspire your co-workers or at least reveal your true friends.

Take the stairs

This may sound like old hat advice but every step matters. The more you move the better you feel. The better you feel the more you move, which is a great cycle to be a part of. Just be wary the opposite is true too, as it can really set you back. Get up off that elevator and use your body like it’s meant to be used.

Pack Your Lunch

All those things you would tell your kids to do so that they avoid the massively unhealthy school lunches just may be the same thing you need to do to stay healthy. Not only will you be able to control exactly what you pack so that you fuel your body with healthy food but you can use the extra time to get a tiny workout in! Not every workout needs to be an hour or the best, most intense session ever. Even getting a walk in will help your body digest your lunch and even help you avoid that 2:00 need for a nap.

Do a Tabata

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to pack in some serious moves in a short time period. My book is full of Tabatas, which are a great form of HIIT and help increase your creativity, inspiring some great ideas throughout the day. Even better? A Tabata is just four minutes total. Try one instead of having coffee, I guarantee it will wake you up.

Walk

Get as many steps as you can. This purely means that you will refuse to remain sedentary. Try to avoid having the best chair in the office because you don't plan to be in it too frequently. Take some of these examples to heart and others try to mix in weekly.
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Use a Stand-Up Desk

If you have the luxury of being given a standing desk, just make sure to maintain good posture while using it. Cocking your hip to one side all the time will create some soreness. Plus, it’s a bonus ab workout holding yourself properly all day.

Desk Butt Squeezes

No one will notice that you’re creating a nice strong backside while going over the TPS reports. Try squeezing for one minute then resting for one minute. Repeat as many times as possible (then start again the next hour to beat your time).
Waiting to get your exercise done at just the right moment is silly in my book. I never have the time to do this. If I have a late client, I do lunges and push-ups until they get there. If my coffee is brewing I run in place (to my husband’s amusement). You don’t have to go to extremes but these little gems can turn your daily commute to and from work into small workout sessions.

Car Butt Squeezes

Yup, these perfect little flexes aren’t just for your seat at work. Try holding tight for one mile then resting for one mile. The regular traffic jams will really make those squeezes last.

Core Squeezes

The same thing as butt squeezes but holding your abs instead. This is a recommendation to all my clients because most people don’t exactly know how to hold their core correctly. Practice tightening from beneath your belly button and holding the position during your drive and you’ll become a pro one mile at a time.

Drink Water

Dehydration is something that sneaks up on everyone. Once you’re thirsty, you’re way too late. Start your day off the healthiest by making sure you get your water in. If you drink coffee, you’ll need even more water. Staying hydrated will make your workouts easier I promise. I’ve cured quite a few dizzy clients by getting them to up their intake.
Working out does not need to be complicated. With just a few of these great recommendations you can really change your life for the better. Take pride in the fact that you want to make this 1 life a strong, healthy long one. Peer pressure is a two-way street too. Enlist help at work to get these done. You just may become the inspiration for someone (even yourself) to turn some bad habits around.

WRITTEN BY

Erin Oprea