sitting on your butt at work for 8 hours

herky · July 2010

So I'm a college student, but I'm spending my summer working 40 hours a week at a publishing company. This means I sit at a desk and stare at a computer screen for 8 hours a day. (which I happen to be at right now :happy: ) I know tons of you out there probably have been doing this for years, and I know that this is in my future after college, so how do you deal with it? I feel like I don't burn a single calorie while I'm here and that my butt will eventually be glued to this chair.

Any tips on how to maybe be a little more active at work? I get up often to fill my water and go to the bathroom and just stretch my legs a bit, but any advice would be helpful!!

Amandac6772 · July 2010

I try to be as active as I can at home. I walk at lunch sometimes. I went from a job being on my feet all day to sitting all day and gained 20 lbs the first year. It doesn't help that these people ALWAYS have junk to eat and want to share everything with you which is really nice but I just can't do it.

A

jrich1 · July 2010

I work out after work.. I work computer support and I am in the same scenerio, you can try to walk around some, but its gonna be mainly exercise outisde the job

tpelaez · July 2010

http://www.hercampus.com/health/your-work-workout-exercises-stay-fit-desk-job

fatbegone2010 · July 2010

I'm in the same position. Sometimes I just wanna drive a pencil through my neck...lol. Since starting my job in (Feb) I've actually gained 10 pounds which is very sad, as oppossed to my last job where I was on my feet for 8 hours moving around and still had energy by the time I got home to actually work out and managed to lose 19 pounds. But yes, i get up and use the restroom, fill up my water bottle etc. So you're not alone. But sometimes when no one is in the restroom I do 2 sets of 10, squats, and about 30 jumping jacks. Sounds crazy but it does burn a few calories.

Hope that helps!!!

lindsaythurmond · July 2010

The first thing I do every day when I get home is workout (which consists of putting in a work-out dvd, usually p90x). I don't allow myself to do anything else in the evening until I'm done. If you make routine out of it, it is harder to push out of the way. Also, NOT eating all the cake, doughnuts, ice cream, and cookies people try to convince you to eat on a daily basis is a must. You have to politely decline no matter how many times the same person asks you -- and believe me because I work with some real food pushers who love to bring homemade everything into the office. All and all I've been out of college for 2 years now working 40 hrs a week in front of a computer screen and have actually lost weight (although my weight loss ticker doesn't show it because I started using this site after the weight loss), so as long as you monitor your food and exercise you'll be fine.

PixieGoddess · July 2010

Yup, I work at a software company. A lot of my coworkers have stability balls in addition to their desk chairs, so they can sometimes use the ball, sometimes just sit. I want to get one too; I'll let you know how they do once I try it.

ErinGiam · July 2010

http://www.hercampus.com/health/your-work-workout-exercises-stay-fit-desk-job

Thanks for sharing!!

I also sit at a desk for 8 hours so I just try to get up as much as I can and walk around. We have a nice big parking lot that I walk around in sometimes just toget my blood flowing! Most of my exercise though is done after. I am on here A LOT during work so it keeps me motivated to exercise after work, lol

Katherine1687 · July 2010

Take messages to the other person instead of e-mailing them. If your office has stairs, use them and not the lift. Go for a walk during lunch

raspberrymerlot · July 2010

It isn't easy... I frequent the bathroom and the lunch room to fill my water. I use the bathroom on the next floor up, so I get in a flight of stairs. I also get out for a walk on my lunch break - if I feel energetic enough I tackle the 7 flights of stairs from my office to the main floor in my building. But, for the most part, I try and get my activity in after work. There is a fitness class at the gym which fits my schedule perfectly. It makes for a long day, but I feel stronger for it.

Barneystinson · July 2010

I go for short walks, then go for one on my lunch break, and I built myself a standing workstation - I have one seated workstation (laptop) and a monitor / keyboard setup that runs thru my laptop as a standing station. That way I'm not sitting on my butt all day.

Rynatat · July 2010

I try to get up and move, even if I just have to go to the bathroom, I walk briskly (I wear heals, so I'm working my legs and calves, too:happy: ). I'm well known at work for the sound of my "foot-steps"

I also do some "desk" stretches which help (stretching is key to staying shape, the more limber the healthier your joints & muscles). I plan on getting another set of ankles weights to keep at work so while I'm sitting, I can do some leg lifts and stuff to help as well (don't go overboard on the work ankle weights, I'm only getting 1.5-2lb per ankle so I don't break something in the process).
One other thing I found helps, a lot!, is I wake up extra early & do my 45-50 min routine before I shower: this gets my blood pumping and wakes me up & gives me the energy I need to get through the day (of course by 20:00 I'm dead tired, but that means I sleep better :happy: ). It also means I am exercising at least 5 days a week, which is an extra bonus.
I wish you best of luck & know there are thousands of others out there with you for support & that extra motivational push :flowerforyou:

anu_6986 · July 2010

I'm in the same position. Sometimes I just wanna drive a pencil through my neck...lol. Since starting my job in (Feb) I've actually gained 10 pounds which is very sad, as oppossed to my last job where I was on my feet for 8 hours moving around and still had energy by the time I got home to actually work out and managed to lose 19 pounds. But yes, i get up and use the restroom, fill up my water bottle etc. So you're not alone. But sometimes when no one is in the restroom I do 2 sets of 10, squats, and about 30 jumping jacks. Sounds crazy but it does burn a few calories. Hope that helps!!!

That is an awesome idea! I am gonna be doing that monday onwards! Lol :flowerforyou:

Amandac6772 · July 2010

I go for short walks, then go for one on my lunch break, and I built myself a standing workstation - I have one seated workstation (laptop) and a monitor / keyboard setup that runs thru my laptop as a standing station. That way I'm not sitting on my butt all day.

I realllllly want a standing workstation...i just think better standing up...hahaha!!!!

kittytrix · July 2010

I try to take the long way or stairs to a destination such as the printer, bathroom, or other departments. It may not be much but it can add up. I also walk for half of my lunch hour in the parking lot. We have a target about two blocks away, so on days when I eat at my desk, I take my lunch hour, walk to Target and just do a little window shopping.

My job is the kind where I don't know if I'm going to be out in the field or not that day, so I do get more movement that way, but it's not guaranteed.

Working out after work, though is a must.

I have been working both desk and on-me-feet jobs all my life so I have been through both scenarios.

Lots of luck and just keep on moving and eating as well as you can.

mworld · July 2010

what Lryerse said!

The only thing I would add is that I find a lot of people munch on crap all day long. I NEVER bring any snacks to work or keep a snack drawer or anything like that. I believe those things tend to be more harm than good (idc how healthy the protein bar may be on its own, when there's a BOX of them in your drawer that's a recipe for disaster!)

hkystar · July 2010

I feel your pain. I too am like the rest of the posters, I work 40 hoursish at a desk. I have a hard time being able to stop work for a lunch break. I usually just eat at my desk while I continue work. But I have found some tricks that help me get up and move.

I go to the potty at least once an hour (due to water consumption levels). I usually wont go to the one right by my office but I will walk to a further away one on the same floor. I make sure I drink only water at work and have to constantly refill my water bottle. I also work out right after work. I bring my clothes with and go down immediately, that way the exercise is built into my day and I dont go home without getitng in at least 30 mins. The other thing we occasionally do is dance party time. Another coworker and I will get up and dance to a song that comes on randomly (usually one that has a fast beat).

jlewis2896 · July 2010

I am also a cubicle monkey -- Most times I just make it a priority to work out before and/or after work and remain active with my family, but if I'm feeling antsy I go to a little-used stairwell and hike up and down it a few times. Does not work quite as well in heels, so I've got extra sneakers at my desk in case I want to do stairs or go for a walk during lunch.

saverys_gal · July 2010

I'm in the same boat myself. I spent 3 years working 60+ hours in the retail world so I was always on my feet and never sat! For the past two years I've been an admin for a life insurance company and all I do is sit all day and I'm glued to the phone, so I don't have much chance to get up. I stretch out when I go for a bathroom break or to get water or make my lunch. When I go to use the copier I move around a lot, even if it means I just walk around in circles in a small space - lol. Wonder if my upper management would go for me sitting on a stability ball? Not sure that would fly as I'm admin/receptionist/do it all gal and am the first person people see when they walk in... :laugh:

darrenremer · July 2010

drinking a ton of water will get you off your butt a bunch to use the restroom. It also keeps your metabolism going. other then that welcome to working in corp america!

goal30Lori · July 2010

Try sitting on an exercise ball instead of an office chair!

Behavior_Modification · July 2010

My trainer recommended I sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair to burn extra calories and work on posture.

mariabee · July 2010

I'm in the same position. Sometimes I just wanna drive a pencil through my neck...lol. Since starting my job in (Feb) I've actually gained 10 pounds which is very sad, as oppossed to my last job where I was on my feet for 8 hours moving around and still had energy by the time I got home to actually work out and managed to lose 19 pounds. But yes, i get up and use the restroom, fill up my water bottle etc. So you're not alone. But sometimes when no one is in the restroom I do 2 sets of 10, squats, and about 30 jumping jacks. Sounds crazy but it does burn a few calories. Hope that helps!!!

I do the same thing! I wonder what people think we're doing in there! LOL.

herky · July 2010

Thanks for the help everyone!
I've gotten into a habit of bringing my gym bag to work, so I force myself to work out right after work everyday before going home...that's probably the best I can do for now.

It would help if I didn't work in a department that is 98% women who all bring homemade sweets to work nearly everyday, and I have a terrible sweet tooth. At least by the end of the summer I will have built up some good resistance!

Rynatat · July 2010

:happy: :happy: :blushing: Good move with the gym bag! Just remember, just cuz people bring "treats" into work, doesn't mean you're obligated to eat them! I have Celiac's (gluten allergy) so can't eat the stuff people bring in: I always have "healthy" options for myself in the way of "munchies" like carrots, celery, apple or even an extra serving of Chex cereal (honey nut or cinamon satifies as sweat tooth!). Also, bring your own lunch so you're not tempted - while will-power is good to have, it sometimes isn't enough & takes time to build it up. Put a pic of your goals in front of you & that will help remind you what you want (I have a pic of what I looked like 5yrs ago & I want to fit in those jeans again! Yes I still have them in the hopes I will fit in them!).

Julien1 · July 2010

Hi:),

Don't worry too much about not being on your feet at work. You can get up, take little walks when you can, which will help.

Just try to be active outside of work, before or after your shift by taking a walk, a job, or simply working out on the elliptical, cross trainer, or with weights:).

Ensure you're eating healthy foods as well. Restrict the junk.

kpaulsen · July 2010

I've been out of school for a few years, but I definitely remember getting a desk job after graduation and how amazed I was by how sedentary everything is. I miss having to run/walk 20 minutes across campus to catch a bus or make a class. What great exercise without even realizing I was getting it!

I'm in business development/marketing, so I do a lot of running from one printer to the other, to the workstation, taking copies to people's offices for edits, etc. Advice:

* Always walk like you're late to a meeting (double time it)
* Taking stairs in the parking garage (if it's well lit and the garage has good security). There are several women in my building who walk all 10 floors of the parking garage every day during lunch
* Every hour or 90 minutes take a quick lap around your floor. You'll be able to meet people and chit chat, which will also be good for networking!
* Change up water by having some of the "singles" drink mixers
* Agree with the hand-deliver things to people or ask questions again in person. +2 with the networking and getting to know people in the office
* I do butt squeezes and leg lifts under my desk every 15 minutes when I'm working on a really tedious editing project.
* If there is a nearby shopping mall, go there during lunch and double-time it doing big laps. You can figure out how much distance the mall "track" covers and then add that to your daily exercise (just resist the tempting smells of Auntie Anne's pretzels)

Good luck!

rockinright · July 2010

I work in a bank and struggle with this. It's a one-story building so there's nowhere to walk during lunch unless I go outside...and July in the Mid-Atlantic isn't a good place to take a lunchtime walk when you're wearing a long-sleeve dress shirt and tie...it's kind hard to look professional to customers when you are wearing a sweat-soaked shirt and red in the face!

Best I can do is walk at home in the evening but I rarely do that with a 16 month old (and my wife gets home later than me...and she too is trying to lose weight...)

DawnOf1969 · July 2010

Get one of these for under your desk:

http://sitincomfort.com/pedlaexerciser.html

you can pedal away all day long!

sitting on your butt at work for 8 hours

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