Exercises to do while working - ideas?

[pac_NW]

Invested in this wonderful little device that I use when I work from home - the Magne trainer.  Fits right under the desk and great for burning more calories while working.  Read a recent article in the NY Times about sitting while working and how metabolism totally decreases.  I am reminding myself to stand more during long days and now pedal regularly.  I workout most days and find this added exercise is making an an even better difference.  What are your ideas for exercise while working (at a desk)?

http://www.magnetrainer.com/

[Snow White]

I asked my employer to convert my workspace to a standing desk which they did for about $500.  I am sure it could have been done for less money but my key board and monitor are on a platform that raises smoothly with just a finger to any level.  It includes a very generous shelf to lay paperwork or files on.  The arrangement lets me stand or sit and use my same chair. I use it as a standing workspace 99.5% of the time. I love it and can't believe how comfortable it feels.  I was worried that my feet would hurt or I just wouldn't like it but nothing could be further from the truth.

[pac_NW]

Thanks Snow White - I have ordered the geekdesk to do same - work while standing. On back order for a few weeks now. Cannot wait to get it in and set up for use.

http://www.geekdesk.com/

[fidgiegirl]

SparkPeople has a number of exercise videos that are about 10:00 and can be done seated.

http://www.youtube.com/user/sparkpeople

[JT]

Sit on a swiss ball and practise balancing with no feet on the ground  Not cardio but great for core and spine!

[Ozstache]

When you use the restroom at work, take the longest route you can to it, on a different floor via stairs if possible. If you work in a multistory building, only take the elevator to within five floors of where you want to go and use the stairs for the rest. Go for a walk at break and lunch time. Park a couple of blocks away from your work and walk the rest.

[boy_bye]

in the afternoon i generally dive into an empty conference room (i leave the lights off, and the door slightly ajar) and take off my shoes and do a little yoga. not tons, just a sun salutation or a few minutes doing downward dog variations or something. it refreshes me for the last few hours of the day which tend to be busy in my office ...

also seconding the idea to head out for a walk. on cold / rainy days it is not easy to get out there, but once i do, it's always 100% worth it.

[jameswilson]

> Take the stairs.
> Chair dips. Place the palms of your hands on your chair and your feet on the floor. Move your rear end off of the edge of your seat. Bend your elbows and lower your body. Straighten your arms to return to the starting position.
> Chair squats. Lift your rear end off of your seat and hold for a few seconds.

[Abouscent1961]

If your job allows you to work at home sometimes and a considerable part of that work involves reading, as in my case, you can fix the file/book/tablet to a treadmill, rowing machine, NordicTrack, etc., and read while exercising.

[Kriegsspiel]

Sit on a swiss ball and practise balancing with no feet on the ground  Not cardio but great for core and spine!

All I can think of is Dwight, from The Office, talking about how great his swiss ball is :)

[DocCyane]

I take two 1-mile walks per day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon.

This could just as easily be done during a lunch hour if your company doesn't allow breaks.

[Will]

You Are Your Own Gym, the Bible of Bodyweight Exercises by Mark Lauren.

[deltaecho]

Learn some yoga standing poses and do them while you're on the phone, especially on hold.  Even just doing modified ones, like lifting one leg off the floor can help balance and concentration.  these seem pretty good:http://www.myyogaonline.com/poses/standing

[Miss Stachio]

Jumping jacks for 1 minute.  Doesn't take much space and definitely gets the blood flowing.