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Working it at Work

By Crystal Reiber

Working "it",as in your body, at work is definetly doable. You don't think so? Rethink that as you read on!

If you sit at a desk you can't help but get tired of that desk position. You can easily save up calls and copies to be done all at one time to get yourself, literally, up and out of that chair. Standing burns more calories than sitting so why not take advantage of that when possible? Then before you sit back down into terrible posture again to resume the next round at your desk, take a few moments to stretch out your neck...chin tucked and bow the head for 15-20 seconds, then turn head to the right and then left for the same amount of time each side, then look up without arching(hyperextending)the neck and count that one out. Now, inhale and circle your arms up over your head and back and around and foward for another time. Now stretch foward and touch your toes. If you have a rolling chair and you promise to be careful, you can kneel with your forearms on the chair and let it roll out away from you and pull it back. This is great for the abdominals. Turn and face away from your desk and grab a hold of the desk with your hands, palms down and fingers pointing toward your buttocks. Walk your feet out in front of you. Knees should be nearly straight. Lower your torso and push up again. Great for the triceps and rear deltoid muscles of the shoulders. Inhale going down and exhale pushing up. You can lift one foot and do a repitition and then switch. Then you can face your desk and place your hands on the desk and do a version of pushups or use a wall or if you're game, use that floor space. This works the chest, arms, and core. Squats can be done anytime too, you know. Now, resume a seated position in your chair, shoulders are rolled back with chest lifted so that your spinal alignment is good and your ears should be straight in line with your shoulders. Inhale and exhale, 2 counts in and 2 counts out for 3 times, then do the same at 3 counts, then 4 counts. Ahhhhhhh....stress is helped by taking breaks and what was described here can be accomplished in as little as 10 minutes. You can take multiple breaks, which I highly recommend as much as possible without interferring with the "task at hand" for you to accomplish.

OK, now if you do a lot of physical labor in your job then you should definitely take heed and adapt some of the relaxing and stretching tips contained here in this article for stress reduction, getting the "kinks" out, and refreshing yourself to endure the day.

Along with this make sure to power up with healthy foods for that lunch break and maybe even a good walk, if you have a lunch hour. Of course, always drink that water and stay hydrated.

All employers know that a healthy, relaxed and stress-free employee is a more productive employee. You might be able to pass on the tips to coworkers or even to that manager, boss, employer, foreman, etc. and improve the entire staff's posture, attitude/outlook, and ouput all at the same time.

Workouts should be creative and what fits a person's schedule. That's what makes the workout doable and not a dreaded "other thing to do". It doesn't have to be all alone or all on your own time. Give yourself a break and be surprised by the results. A win-win situation for you, your productivity, and your sanity. I guarantee it. Multiple time taken still is time taken to add up to that goal of improving your personal fitness levels, mental health, and stress management.

So, let me ask you. Have you/are you rethinking since beginning the reading of this article? I certainly hope so! You deserve to be your best!

About the Author:

Crystal Reiber is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Fitness Therapist located in Somerset, PA. She is a sought after motivational speaker and her passion certainly is "crystal clear". Crystal is a product of her own fitness quest. Her website is www.crystalreiber.com