Work It Out—at Work!
Tue., Jan. 6, 2009 9:00 AM PST by Lara Morgenson
Let's face it: The majority of the day is spent chained to your desk. Burning the midnight oil can make hitting the gym impossible, especially in these days of the BlackBerry, when getting away from work is harder than ever.
So why not make the office work for you? Los Angeles-based personal fitness trainer Jamie Murphy offers the following exercises that can easily be done at the office—and will add to your daily calorie burn. This routine is great for those days when work has no end in sight. Or better yet, think of it as bonus on top of your regular workout.
1. Stop circling the parking lot for the closest space! Pull into a farther-away spot and enjoy the extra walk. Remember, every bit of exercise counts.
2. Ignore the elevator and march up and down the stairs. Your glutes will thank you! If you work on the 33rd floor, walk up the first few flights and then hit the Up button for the remaining climb. Push yourself by adding another flight each day or week, depending on your stamina.
3. Trade your chair for a stability ball. Sure, it looks funny, but it's an amazing core workout. Start with 30 minutes a day and work up to the entire day.
4. Be conscious of your body. Sit with good posture at your desk, and every now and then, take a few deep breaths to engage the abdominal area. If every half-hour you let out four deep, contracting breaths, it's like adding 500 crunches a week.
5. Do the following twice a day:
Inclined Push-Ups: Place palms on desk and angle feet out, so your body is in a plank position. Do as many push-ups as you can in 60 seconds.
Ab Rolls: Facing the chair, place hands on the seat of a wheeled chair and knees on the ground. Push the chair away and pull back in. Repeat as many times as you can in 60 seconds.
Reverse Push-Ups: Facing away from desk, place palms behind you, then lower and raise as many times as you can in 60 seconds.
6. While at your computer, twist your chair 45 degrees to either side and keep your chest square with the screen. This movement is excellent for toning the obliques. Add deep breaths for greater benefits.
7. Slightly lift your bum off your seat and press palms onto your desk. Don't hunch over—keep posture upright.
8. Get up and stretch. Reach high above your head, spread your legs and bend at the waist and reach your palms for the floor. Do yoga poses like downward dog, wheel or handstands against the wall. (Just remember to kick off your shoes first.)
9. Turn a conference call into a "booty call." Instead of sitting through those never-ending conversations, push the chair away and stand. Add a set of deep squats. If you're in listening mode, hit the speaker phone and do a round of jumping jacks or jog in place.
10. Take a break and walk to Starbucks for an iced green tea without added sugar.

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Now loading...Nora Bahadoor Tue, Jun 2, 2009, 4:30 PM
1. Hi Ruby your doing well girl good luck Nora
Nora Bahadoor Tue, Jun 2, 2009, 4:34 PM
2. Hi Ruby i live in Peterborough * Ontario and have watched your programs you are amazing woman wish i was like you. Nora,
Doris Fri, Jul 24, 2009, 12:02 PM
3. Was elated to see the start of the new season, you are such an inspiration, and have such a positive attitude. Your friends are great, and offer soooo much support. You are a lucky girl. I believe that there is always a reason deep inside and often sabotages efforts that "are good for us". Best of luck in the new season, and hope for many more. I have restarted, again; and hopefully will go forward this time.
Diana Williams Mon, Aug 3, 2009, 7:15 PM
4. Ruby, you are inspiring me and my friend to try again to lose weight. We are both over 300 pounds and had lost any inspiration to try. Thank you...Diana
chesca Tue, Sep 8, 2009, 6:38 PM
5. hi ruby im am 11 year old girl and im 4 feet and 10 inches tall but i know im overweight i weigh about 103-105 pounds you have have enspired me and you look great and healthier dont worry the beast wont come back stick out your pinky thats the size youll be in no time