The 9-to-5 slog isn’t always conducive to a healthy lifestyle. But if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, it’s even more important to find ways to incorporate fitness into your routine.
Official guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults should “move more and sit less throughout the day” and aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for better quality of life and a reduced risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
But even the fittest of folks admit that it’s not always easy. “Staying fit can be challenging even if you have time on your side, so if you’re stuck in the office for most of the day it can seem like a forever impossible feat,” says Rachael Finch, certified trainer and creator of Body By Finch.
However, there are lots of ways to embrace fitness at the office. With a little creativity, forward planning, dedication and willpower, you can get — and stay — fit while doing your regular 9-to-5.