Get Exercise at Work – Part 1 - Health Plus Digest

Companies and employees are always interested in leveraging their time and energy. Companies are demanding more and more of the employee’s time which leaves less time at home for exercise, family and responsibilities.

The current recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. That exercise must increase the participant’s heart rate and breathing, but can also be broken up into 10 minute segments.

In a recent study, the researchers found that Americans may be getting more exercise at work than they previously thought. The study showed that 2/3 of working Americans didn’t get enough exercise in their leisure time but that 44% of working Americans got at least one hour of occupational activity each day at work or doing housework.

The study measured activity and exercise during leisure time but more recent studies from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion began measuring activity during work hours. Even the CDC has developed a new questionnaire that takes into account the physical activity that employees get at work.

Employees who are interested in getting more exercise can increase their physical activity and decrease their risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity through small changes in work style behavior. For instance, the employee can park further away from the office instead of closer. Parking further away may mean not parking at all if you live close enough to walk. Another alternative is to ride your bike to work and use the company shower when you arrive.

Resources:

ExpertAnswer: Exercises at Work Boosts Productivity, Swedish Researchers Find

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906121011.htm

NHS CHoices: Exercises and Study

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/studenthealth/Pages/Exerciseandstudy.aspx

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Aerobic Exercise and Creative Potential

http://www.ric.edu/faculty/dblanchette/ExerciseArticle.htm

MayoClinic: Workplace Exercises

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/office-exercise/SM00115

Fitness: 10 Ways to Sneak in a Workout

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/quick-tricks/workout-tips-for-busy-schedules/

Fitness: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Exercisers