Everybody knows that exercise is important. A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of obesity, poor mental wellness and cardiovascular issues. Whereas exercise promotes better overall wellbeing.
Finding the time to exercise (and the motivation) is the real challenge. If you are working a 40 hour week, have parenting responsibilities and a social life, it can be truly challenging to make time for formal exercise.
Some people, however, manage to cleverly integrate exercise into everyday life. For example, some people choose to walk to work instead of driving, which gives them an hour of exercise every day. Some people choose do home-based exercises while watching TV so that it becomes part of ‘leisure time’.
Some people manage to exercise as part of their work routine! And this is what we want to talk to you about today… How Flexispot can offer you equipment and furniture that aids exercise in the workplace… Specifically, we want to tell you about standing desks and 4 different exercises you can do with your standing desk - any time of day!
Standing Desks
Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular as the year's pass. More people are becoming invested in their mental and physical well being, especially in the workplace. With most of us spending up to 15 hours sitting per day, a standing desk could be a much-needed reprieve. Standing desks offer a huge number of benefits to their users. From lowering the risk of weight gain and obesity to lowering your risk of heart disease and back pain and much more. But, you can always go that one step further. Here are 5 of the best exercises you can do whilst at a standing desk.
The Standing Chest Stretch
For those of you who work out, this one may be familiar. The standing chest stretch involves clasping your hands behind your back, straightening your arms and lifting them for 20-30 seconds at a time. Make sure to keep your shoulder blades down during this stretch. Doing so opens up your chest which you’ll be able to feel the benefits of immediately. Not only does this exercise feel great, but stretching opens up your breathing and helps you feel more awake.
Standing Leg Extensions
If you find yourself stood at a standing desk such as the Standing Desk Pro Series E7, you may find that your legs get tired from time to time. Standing leg extensions involve extending one of your legs straight behind you for 5-10 seconds, then repeat. You can do as many reps as you feel, but we recommend somewhere between 10 and 25 to get the most out of this exercise. Whilst doing standing leg extensions, make sure to engage your core.
Standing Calf Raises
Still on the legs, we’re going to pay some attention to those all so important calf muscles. Anyone who’s done a lot of leg exercises knows that your calves are some of the first muscles to give you trouble. To perform standing calf raises, you need to rise up onto your toes, lifting your heels from the floor. Slowly repeat the movement up and down, holding for 2 seconds each time. Do as many reps as you feel comfortable with, but we recommend at least 15-20 to experience the benefits you’re after. If you’re the kind who loves a challenge, try one leg at a time to really push the boat out.
The Standing Twist/Back Stretch
For many people, the transition from a chair to a standing desk is primarily down to back pain. Back pain is a problem that 1 in 6 people in the UK experience and it’s unpleasant at the best of times. Whilst adopting a standing desk will help, it can’t hurt to give your back that extra bit of R&R it needs to feel better. To execute the standing twist/back stretch, bend your knee and lift it up to hip height, balancing on the other leg. Place the opposite hand on your knee and twist your torso towards the lifted knee. Hold this for about 10 seconds if you can, then repeat on the other side. This is another exercise you can repeat as much as you need to, your back will thank you.
A Standing Desk That Works For You
When it comes to choosing a standing desk to perform these many varied exercises at, you want the best for you. Height adjustable standing desks are the perfect option for any desk-bound office worker. Not only are you able to adjust the desk to the perfect standing height, but you can lower it to sitting level if you feel as though your legs need a rest.
In the meantime, why not browse our range of products or get in touch with us to learn more about our ergonomically designed office furniture?
