“I don’t have time,” said every person avoiding the gym ever.
The reality is that a 30-minute workout only takes 2% of your day. And the benefits are endless. Exercise benefits your body, mood—and surprisingly—your smile. A study conducted by the Journal of Periodontology found those who regularly exercised had healthier gums and fresher breath compared to those didn’t exercise.
Benefits aside, we get it. Working out can feel like a hassle—not to mention the sweatiness that accompanies you when you return to the office. So for those days you’re not feeling the gym, fit fitness in at your desk with these 3 mini-workouts:
1. Chair Dips
Dip, baby, dip—it targets your triceps and chest. All you need is your chair and a few minutes. Standing with the chair behind you, lower yourself with your legs in front of you and grip the edge of the chair (make sure it has no wheels). Lift yourself up and down to feel the burn!
2. Wall-Sits
This exercise will tone and strengthen multiple muscles in your legs, and all it takes is a wall and willpower. With your back against the wall, sit at a 90-degree angle and hold yourself there for 30 seconds. Repeat this at least 3 times. Incorporate some dental health and brush your teeth during this exercise (You’ll get in 4 sets if you brush for the recommended 2 minutes!).
3. Desk Push-Ups
Tone your arms and abdominals with this desk side challenge. Place your hands on the edge of your desk. With your legs positioned shoulder-width behind you, push yourself off of the desk. To focus on your triceps, bring your hands and arms closer together.
If you’re concerned about raising eyebrows, jump into an empty conference room and be proud for raising your fitness level! And why not convince your co-workers to join in the fun? Looking for more ways to make time for fitness at work? Check out these workout alternatives for after work!