Sit Through a Workout and Get the Most From It
By Tom Herrin
There are lots of expressions people use to refer to just about anything. One of the most common ones is that someone will "sit something out." It usually means that they are not going to participate in whatever the activity is at the time. When someone says it in reference to some kind of exercise, it is obvious that they intend to pass. When it comes to trying to work out while sitting in a chair on the job, one has to be a little careful not to appear to be ditching work but actually doing something that can improve their health as well as their job performance. A workout while sitting can be more successful than most probably are aware.
It May Help Work on Hand Strength
Unless people do some kind of physical work using their hands, improving hand strength does not happen on the job. The days are long gone when most people did work that built strength in their hands. This can be easy to address while sitting at the workplace. An easy way can be to make a fist and squeeze tightly. It doesn't matter whether or not the fist is empty. Holding this five seconds or so then releasing and spreading the fingers wide can serve as one rep. Doing this five or more times with each hand can complete the workout.
It May Help to Tone the Abs
A super easy exercise that may produce some results is to sit up in the chair with the feet a little above the floor and grab the desk with both hands. Turning the chair from one side to the other using the core muscles to make the turn can count as one rep each time there is one complete swing from one side to the other. Doing this 10 to 15 times can serve as a workout.
It May Allow Some Personalizing
We all really need to identify what we need as individuals in the way of a workout. What works for one may not work for the other. If we develop a routine with the body parts in mind that we feel need the most work, we can see some success. Try some of these simple activities at work on a short break. It may develop a few muscles as well as provide a wake-up from a monotonous routine by getting the blood flowing as you sit. Let it be yours for the most success.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elk Grove, Calif.