Boost your health with a work out at work
With over three out of five of us spending three or more hours in a sedentary position on weekdays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get more active during the day at work.
A range of helpful tips on getting active can be found on the Public Health Agency websites www.getalifegetactive.com and www.choosetolivebetter.com
- On the way to work, try walking or cycling for part or all of the journey. If you have to drive or take the bus, park the car a little further away from the office and walk the rest of the way. Hop off the bus a stop or two earlier and walk the rest of the way.
- When you get to work, try taking the stairs instead of the lift to get to the office.
- During the day, if you have to ask someone in the office something, walk to their desk rather than sending an email.
- At lunch, go for a walk rather than sitting at your desk. A 10 minute brisk walk adds to your recommended physical activity target of 30 minutes a day on at least five days per week.
- Standing up uses more muscles than sitting. You could stand each time you take a phone call.
- Stretch. Whether sitting or standing you can stretch at your desk to try to stop you feeling ‘stiff’ from sitting throughout the day.
- Walk and talk. If you have to talk to a colleague, try a walking meeting. It will keep you on your feet which will burn calories and be something different to talking around a table.
- Your organisation may already have some work-based physical activity programmes, so ask around and see if there are any to take part in and if not, offer to set one up and challenge your team or department to take part in initiatives such as 10,000 steps walking programme.
- Moderate activity can include a brisk walk or riding a bike and don’t forget that any activity is better than none.

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