How can I be more active during the day with a desk job?!

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  • BardOfBeard
    BardOfBeard Posts: 1 Member
    My whole world is computers, so it basically feels like I spend 16+ hours a day sitting, and my ankles and shins start hurting so badly if I spend to long sitting. Get up every hour or two and walk around (stairs if you can) and do anything until your legs feel like they've actually worked (without breaking into a sweat). If I can't get up for some reason I'll just hover my legs off of the ground while sitting and kick around a little bit so my legs get movement. I also use the furthest bathroom away as possible so I move every chance I get. I work around a lot of people so I can't do anything too crazy looking unfortunately, but I just try to make my leg muscles workout any way I can.
  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
    Some studies have shown you should get up after about 35 minutes. I often get engrossed with the stuff on my computer screen, but then my eyes and my legs tell me it's time to move.

    My office is upstairs, but all the other business activity is downstairs, so I go down and take a look around and come back up.

    I bring my coffee to my desk, so I have to get up and take another walk later to wash the empty mug.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    TexasBridgett wrote: »
    Hey all,

    I'm just seeking some tips and suggestions for getting in more activity during the work day. I tend to sit at my desk constantly and have a hard time prying myself away from work. It seems the deadlines are always "NOW!"

    Any tips on how to set some work boundaries so I can add more activity in my day? It's gotten to the point where my ankles are a little swollen/tight from not getting enough movement in throughout the day.

    Has anyone had successes with losing weight with a demanding desk job?

    I do things like park further away from the building, take the stairs, etc. I try to get up every hour and move a little, but that isn't always possible. Beyond that, I make time most days of the week to do deliberate moderate to vigorous exercise and prioritize being active on weekends.
  • ElaineGiammetta
    ElaineGiammetta Posts: 3 Member
    I have added an appointment to my calendar and when the notification comes through I stop whatever I'm doing. Since I'm in Florida, I have been jumping in the pool for 30-40 minutes, then take a quick shower and get back to the grind. While not everyone can do this, blocking out time and getting up and away from the desk is important. I have learned that I am not as important as I think I am (to my company). If I were to die today someone would pick up the work. Putting that into perspective also takes practice.
    Once you put yourself first, the rest will fall into place. Good luck!
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    Put walking time on your calendar and stick to it. Even just 15 mins every few hours to and 30 mins at lunch. Take calls via headset while walking. If you need something from a co/worker, get up and go to their office. Take the longest route to water/kitchen/bathroom.
  • fallingwave
    fallingwave Posts: 108 Member
    Same boat over here - I have recently gotten a Fitbit Versa and now see how little activity I get on work days :/ I have been taking a walk during breaks or for at least 1/2 my lunch hour. By end of lunch today I hit 4400 steps so unless I go to the gym later I have more steps needed... can probably pick up another 1000 on break and 500-1000 by getting water/bathroom breaks/walking to my car... Recently I have tried to at least get to 7K by end of work day.
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