For most of us, working at home means long hours sitting at a desk, which can quickly lead to a completely sedentary lifestyle. Even if you’re usually fairly active, you might find yourself losing the motivation to get out and exercise after a few weeks of telecommuting. The tips below will help you stay in shape if you’re working from home.
How Can You Remain Active While Working From Home?
1. Stick to a Routine
Going to the office helps establish a daily routine, which can go a long way toward keeping you on a workout schedule. Without the structure provided by going to the office every day, many people find it difficult to maintain the motivation to get up and active every day. Whether you prefer to hit the gym in the morning or exercise at night, start exercising at the same time every day. Incorporating workouts into your daily routine will help make physical activity a regular habit.
2. Stretch Your Legs
Most offices are equipped with ergonomically designed furniture and adjustable chairs that make working for long hours as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, most telecommuters don’t have the means or expertise to set up a working environment that promotes good posture and proper body alignment.
Slouching while you work puts pressure on the lower back and neck, potentially causing chronic pain, headaches, and pinched nerves. Getting up once an hour to stretch your legs once will keep your muscles loose and prevent the soreness many home workers experience.
3. Work Out in the Morning
Whenever possible, schedule your exercises to be your first task in the morning. This releases adrenaline, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters that improve your mood and energize your entire body for hours afterward. Even if you start work at 8 or 9 in the morning, getting up early to work out will provide a burst of energy and mood boost that will carry you through the day. After a while, you’ll probably look forward to your morning workouts and the increased productivity they bring.
4. Try Different Workouts
Doing the same exercises all the time gets repetitive and it can lead to stagnation in your muscle development and weight loss, which can make it difficult to stay committed. If you find yourself getting bored on the treadmill or just lifting weights, check the class schedule at your local gym or meet with a personal trainer. They might offer some engaging, fun activities that can get you excited about working out again, such as high-Intensity interval training (HIIT) or yoga.
With a clean, state-of-the-art facility and a friendly staff of fitness experts, Anytime Fitness in Chesterfield, MO, is committed to helping you achieve your goals. This popular local gym offers an incredible variety of exercise equipment, specialized classes, and 24/7 access. Visit their website to sign up for a 7-day free trial, follow their Facebook for more fitness tips, or call (314) 485-8986 to schedule a tour today.