6 Tips on How to Stay Fit and Healthy at Work

 

According to WHO data from 2014 more than 1.9 billion adults are categorised as overweight. This means that every third adult is at risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders and premature death. In the UK the numbers are even more alarming as data shows that more than 61% of the adult population is overweight or obese.

Besides other factors, it is mainly physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle causing the overweight. “Sitting is the new smoking” has become the motto of the last few years.

Many of us have a job that requires sitting in one spot. But even a minor change can prevent you from being your chair’s prisoner.

Here are some tips to help you fight the sedentary lifestyle at your workplace:

Get moving

Divide your time into 60 minutes long blocks. At the end of each block, stand up and walk a bit around your workplace. Remember, you do not have to be a smoker to be eligible for a 5 minute break outside the building.

Maintain good posture

A good posture keeps your bones and joints in the right alignment and muscles could thus be used properly. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Try to sit tall. The top of your computer should be at your eye level.

Avoid the elevator

Did you know that walking up the stairs can burn three times more calories than walking? This physical activity does not require any special equipment or preparation and while not using the elevator, as externally produced energy, you also protect the environment.

Height-adjustable work tables

As sitting for a long period has been showing significant health risks, the height-adjustable work desks are a great opportunity for a healthier workplace. By raising or lowering the desk you can work either while standing or sitting.

Sport teambuilding activity

Do you have a vote on the type of the team-building activity? Then you should definitely go for something related to sports or physical activity. It would not only bond you together with your colleagues but you would do something for your health as well.

Discount at local fitness centre

Many companies have included discounts on fitness memberships in their lists of employee benefits over the last couple of years. If that is not your case, you can always suggest this option to your employer. There is no doubt that healthier employee ensures better performance of job related duties.