How I stay active when I spend my day at a desk

People assume that as a personal trainer that I basically get paid to workout but that couldn't be further from the truth. Most of my clients are online or on Zoom so I spend my days behind a laptop either video calling with clients, designing programs, and creating content.

I realized that if I didn’t make myself get up that I was averaging less than 2000 steps per day.

Here are some of the things I’ve done to help keep me active that have actually worked:

🏋️‍♀️I joined a gym and workout 5x a week- joining a gym helped me guarantee I’d get out of the house

🚶‍♀️I take daily walks either to decompress or to run errands. If somewhere is within a 30 minute walk I try to walk. I’ve also stopped ordering as much online and opt to walk to the store instead.

🥾On weekends I prioritize one day of outdoor low impact cardio. Sometimes it’s a hike and other times it’s just a long walk around my neighborhood.

🏠This year I also got involved in short term rentals and often spend my nights and weekends setting up and maintaining the property. It’s amazing how many calories you can burn cleaning a grill or carrying boxes up and down stairs!

#lemon8creator #wellnesshabits #dailywalks #workouts #strengthtraining #nycguide

Manhattan
2023/6/21 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so we've talked about all my go-to strategies for staying active when you're glued to a computer screen most of the day – from hitting the gym to taking those crucial daily walks and even getting outdoors on weekends. But let's be real, the struggle is constant! I'm always on the lookout for new ways to keep my body moving, especially when I'm designing programs or video calling with clients. One thing that often comes up in conversations about desk jobs and activity is stand-up mats, like the GetFit Standup™ mats I've heard so much about. While they weren't part of my initial routine, I've been doing some research, and honestly, they sound like a fantastic addition to anyone's active lifestyle, especially if you spend most of your day behind a computer. The idea isn't just about standing; it's about encouraging subtle movements, shifting your weight, and engaging different muscle groups that often go dormant when you're sitting. Think about it: even if you're standing still, your body is working harder than when you're sitting. Many people report improved posture and reduced back pain just by incorporating a standing desk, and adding an anti-fatigue mat can make it even more comfortable. The beauty is that these mats often encourage small, unconscious movements, almost like a mini workout right there at your desk. It's not the same as a strength training session at the gym or a long outdoor walk, but every bit helps to combat that sedentary creep. For someone like me, who prides myself on joining a gym and strength training 5x per week, a stand-up mat could be a great complement. It's about building a holistic approach to wellness. Imagine getting in those extra micro-movements throughout your workday, reducing the mental fatigue that comes with prolonged sitting. It's another layer to your 'toolkit' for battling the desk job blues. I've got friends who swear by their stand-up mats, saying it makes a huge difference in their energy levels by the end of the day. They feel less stiff and more alert. And for those of us who prioritize getting outside on weekends for hikes or longer walks, having more energy during the week means we can enjoy those activities even more. While I love my daily walks for decompressing and running errands, and I get a serious workout from DIY projects and housework (you really can burn a lot of calories carrying boxes!), a stand-up mat could add another consistent layer of activity. It's about finding what works for you to stay active. Maybe it's a GetFit Standup™ mat, maybe it's setting a timer to do some quick stretches every hour, or maybe it’s just making sure you always take the stairs. The key is to be intentional about movement. So, if you're like me and constantly looking for ways to boost your activity when your job demands a lot of screen time, consider exploring options like stand-up mats. They can be a game-changer for breaking up long periods of sitting and keeping your body engaged, making your overall wellness habits even stronger. Every step, every stretch, every moment you choose to move, adds up!

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