Dubai Fitness Challenge: 5 ways to hit your goals without leaving the office

For a large part of the global workforce, sitting behind a desk for nine hours, whether it’s in the office or at home, is a reality of our working lives.

It is likely, for many, the sedentary nature of our jobs is not doing our waistlines – or our overall physical health - any favours.

Sitting for long stretches of time can not only lead to posture-related problems for our back and necks, but a lack of physical activity can cause a host of health problems. Yet we need these jobs to take care of our everyday needs and necessities.

Here are five ways you can hit your fitness goals without leaving your desk.

Slim down the sedentary habits

Make staying still your nemesis. That might seem difficult with an office or desk focused job, but there is a myriad of daily habits that can help you get moving, simply by replacing slots of your day with something active. Live close to work? Walk or cycle to the office instead of sliding into the driving seat of your car. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. If your company allows, get desks that allow you to stand or even desks that have a treadmill attached. Swap your home office chair for a yoga ball to engage your core. Or try ankle weights and do sitting down flutter kicks every 30 minutes at your desk.

Take mini-breaks, and stand, sit, repeat

Desk jobs don’t have to mean you are glued to your chair. Research has warned time and time again that “sitting disease” – conditions linked to prolonged periods of not moving - is real. Our metabolisms slow down, and we burn less energy, fat and fuel leading to excess weight. But if you’re sitting all day at work, you should get up every 30 minutes and move to encourage circulation. Take the time to move around, chat with co-workers and take a mindfulness moment.

Utilise your lunch hour

It can be tempting to kick back and relax on your lunch break, but after a few hours at work your body is ready to – and needs to – move. Just 30 minutes of exercise can be hugely effective.

Join a fitness class, fun exercise challenge or group event during the month-long challenge in Dubai’s urban fitness playground, else, spend time working out in your office itself during lunch.

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