Introduction
A: It’s the busiest time of year and it seems like finding time to go to the gym just isn’t in the cards. The good news is, you don’t need to go to the gym to stay fit. Setting up a gym at your desk is the perfect way to stay healthy and productive.
B: Desk workouts offer a wide range of benefits to your health, both mentally and physically. Not only can a simple set up save you time and money on your weekly gym trips, but it can also help reduce stress issues, increase productivity, and help you stay in shape. With a few simple supplies, you can turn your desk into a mini gym and reap the rewards.
Preparing for your Desk Gym
A. Desk and Chair Setup
If you’re looking to transform your desk into a gym, the first thing you need to do is make sure your desk and chair setup is proper and comfortable. Start by measuring your height and the width of your desk seat so you know the perfect chair height for you. Make sure your chair has a comfortable back and arm rest to help you stay in the right posture while exercising at your desk. You also want to make sure you have the right amount of knee clearance and the right desk height for your body. Once you have the right setup, you’ll be ready to take your desk workouts to the next level!
B. Desk Workout Essentials
One of the most important desk workout essentials you need is a mini stability ball. Mini stability balls are great for adding a challenge to yourchair exercises as they help you engage your core as you perform seated exercises. Other items you may want to invest in for a well-rounded desk workout include resistance bands, a yoga block, and some hand weights. These are all great for adding intensity to your desk workout routine and can help you create a full-body workout from the comfort of your own desk.
C. Choosing the Right Exercises
When it comes to choosing the right exercises to make your desk gym workout effective, it can be helpful to focus on exercises that target major muscle groups. A simple desk workout routine can include exercises such as leg lifts, shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep extensions, and lat pull-downs. You can even practice yoga or Pilates moves to help you narrow in on some of your weaker muscles and help you increase your strength. Focusing on exercises that use your bodyweight and the desk equipment you have will help you create a comprehensive and challenging desk workout.
Examples of Desk Workouts
A. Cardio Workouts
If you’re looking for an effective way to get your heart rate up, there are plenty of great cardio workouts you can do at your desk! The best part? They don’t require any fancy equipment, just your own bodyweight – perfect for a quick session whenever you’re in the office. Here are a few of our favourites:
1. Desk Jumps: Start by standing about an arm’s length away from your desk with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower yourself down until your fingertips rest on the edge of the desk. Now, jump up and land lightly on both feet back at starting position.
2. Chair Mountain Climbers: Scoot back from your desk, placing your hands on the edge of the chair in front of you. Keeping your hands firmly in place, press yourself up into a modified plank position and alternate bringing each knee up towards your chest in a hopping motion.
3. Chair Squats: Stand with your feet at shoulder width and hold onto the edge of your desk with your hands. Keeping your chest up, lower yourself down into a chair squat. Make it extra challenging by thrusting your arms up into the air at the top of the move.
B. Core Workouts
When it comes to desk workouts, it’s not just about getting your heart rate up – there are also tons of great core exercises you can do without ever having to leave your seat. Here are our top picks:
1. Desk Russian Twists: Sit up straight on the edge of your chair and place your hands firmly on the edge of the desk. Twist from side to side, keeping your core engaged and your arms nice and straight.
2. Chair Plank Pikes: Start in a plank position with your hands on the edge of your chair and your feet planted firmly on the ground. Keeping your core tight, bring your feet up towards your hands in a sharp piking motion before returning them to the starting position.
3. Chair Leg Raises: Sitting up straight in your chair, engage your core and hold onto the edge of the desk with your hands. Raise one leg up off the ground as high as you can, and then lower it back again before repeating on the other side.
C. Upper and Lower Body Workouts
Upper and lower body exercises can be effective tools for toning up and strengthening your muscles. Here are a few that you can do without ever leaving your desk:
1. Desk Push-Ups: Start by getting in the modified plank position with your hands on the desk and toes on the ground. Keep your core tight and lower yourself down until your chest almost touches the desk, before pushing back up to the starting position.
2. Chair Tricep Dips: Start by sitting up straight in your chair and placing your hands firmly on the edge of the seat. Keep elbows tucked in close to your body and lower yourself down until they form a 90 degree angle before pushing back up.
3. Desk Lunges: Stand a few feet away from your desk with your feet hip-width apart. Step one leg forward and lower yourself down into a lunge, keeping your chest up and your weight pushed through your heel. Push back up to starting position before repeating on the other side.
Benefits of Desk Workouts
A. Increased energy: Desk workouts are a great way to increase your energy levels and stay alert throughout the day. Not only will the physical exercise give you a boost of energy, but regular desk workouts also help to regulate your body’s natural production of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones regulate your body’s energy levels, so when you take regular breaks from sitting in your desk chair to get up and move, you’ll be energized and ready for anything.
B. Improved focus and concentration: Desk workouts can also help improve your focus and concentration. Focusing on exercises that require you to hold your core muscles and balance can help to focus the mind. Regular desk workouts also force you to focus on your breathing, which can foster a sense of calm and inner peace, making it easier for you to concentrate on work throughout the day.
C. Improved posture: More than just improving your energy and concentration, desk workouts can also help improve your posture. Sitting at a desk all day can leave you with a slouched posture, which can be both uncomfortable and even damaging to your health. Desk workouts can help keep your spine in alignment, so your back won’t be sore at the end of the day. Desk workouts also help strengthen the core muscles which support your posture, so you’ll look and feel your best.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good workout, and now you can do that even while sitting at your desk. Desk workouts provide amazing benefits to your overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Not only do they help you stay active during the day, but desk workouts can also improve your focus and concentration, as well as your overall productivity.
This article explored three ways to turn your desk into a gym – by introducing some kind of stationary bike or standing desk, as well as trying simple exercises like stretching and standing up every few hours. The great thing about desk workouts is that they don’t require any extra equipment or additional cost. All you need to do is make a commitment to yourself and set aside a few minutes each day to get your body moving.
Desk workouts may not be the most intense type of exercise, but they can still provide plenty of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to stay active on the job, reduce stress levels or just increase your overall energy levels, desk workouts are a great way to get those goals accomplished. So go ahead, and turn your desk into a gym!
