We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Getting Steps In At The Office

ehju0901
ehju0901 Posts: 396 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am trying to increase moving around while I am working at the office. I would just like to get my 250+ steps in per hour. Nothing too crazy right?

Anyone else get anxiety over small stuff like this? I feel like my colleagues are judging me for getting away from my desk multiple times a day. I don't want it to seem like I am avoiding my work or not being productive. 250 steps is not a lot, but I'm just very aware of how often I am away from my desk, and being the "new guy" at work, I don't want to attract the extra attention.

Any tips? Anyone relate to this?

Replies

  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    If there is pressure (real or imagined) to be at your desk for long stretches of time, could you take 1 longer break at lunch rather than more frequent shorter breaks throughout the day?
  • tluisa311
    tluisa311 Posts: 113 Member
    It's actually recommended by a doctor that you step away from your computer screen for a few minutes every hour to give your eyes a break and keep your body in motion, so if anyone seems to have an issue with it, just tell them it's doctor's orders!
    I work in banking and sit in front of a screen all day. I try to walk for 3-5 minutes ever hour or hour and a half. My co-workers do know that I'm actively losing weight, however most companies advocate for healthier employees. It shouldn't be an issue, but I would say that it makes you a more productive employee when you're able to take a few minutes away from your desk every hour.
  • goal06082021
    goal06082021 Posts: 2,130 Member
    I get most of my steps in at work going to refill my water cup or going to the restroom, LMAO. There's a kitchenette with a water cooler in the building where I work. It's upstairs and requires walking basically all the way across the building from where I am to get to the stairs, so it's a nice little 5- or 10-minute jaunt once every hour or so.

    If you're worried about the optics of physically being away from your desk, could you get some kind of under-desk stepper/pedaler? I picked one up at Walmart for under $30, when it's slow or when I'm on my lunch break I'll pedal for a few minutes. It's quiet and sturdy while still being lightweight. I do also have a private office and a large desk that blocks a view of my feet, so YMMV if you're hotdesking or in a more open-concept workspace.

    One longer walk rather than many short ones is also not a bad plan.
  • ehju0901
    ehju0901 Posts: 396 Member
    goal06082021 wrote: »
    I get most of my steps in at work going to refill my water cup or going to the restroom, LMAO. There's a kitchenette with a water cooler in the building where I work. It's upstairs and requires walking basically all the way across the building from where I am to get to the stairs, so it's a nice little 5- or 10-minute jaunt once every hour or so.

    If you're worried about the optics of physically being away from your desk, could you get some kind of under-desk stepper/pedaler? I picked one up at Walmart for under $30, when it's slow or when I'm on my lunch break I'll pedal for a few minutes. It's quiet and sturdy while still being lightweight. I do also have a private office and a large desk that blocks a view of my feet, so YMMV if you're hotdesking or in a more open-concept workspace.

    One longer walk rather than many short ones is also not a bad plan.

    Hmm I may look into a desk stepper. I could easily have one in my cubicle.

    For the record, I don't think my coworkers care if I am not at my desk, it is more so in my head lol.

    I think I may just keep trying to do a quick walk each hour, if anyone questions me on it I will explain that it is hard to look at my screen for long periods of time. :)
  • bebeisfit
    bebeisfit Posts: 951 Member
    I was reprimanded for getting up too often. If you're on thin ice they will look at anything to criticize.

    I ended up being fired..I didn't sell enough but they brought up the water fountain more than once. Be careful.

    Yeah corporate America can kma.

Categories