Fit for Friendship Day

Fitness

Getting Fit - Staying Fit

While we hope everyone has fun with Fit for Friendship Day, it's important to recognize that fitness should not be a temporary goal. Positive exercise and nutrition habits are essential for a longer, healthier and happier life.

There are a number of ways to stay in shape, and not all of them require a health club membership or a few hours of pumping iron every day. In fact, there are simple activities you can do during the workday, even in your office, which can make a big difference. Just five minutes a day of physical activity can not only tone your body, it can also help clear your mind and reduce stress.



Office Fitness Tips:

  • Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator
  • Try "office push-ups" - lean against your desk and push yourself away while in a leaning position. Repeat three times a day for 10 repetitions
  • Walk or take a bicycle to work instead of driving or taking public transportation
  • Instead of sitting in a boardroom, brainstorm project ideas with a coworker while taking a walk around your office or facility
  • Keep a supply of healthy "grazing" foods at your desk. These include dried fruits, yogurt, pretzels, cereal or protein bars and graham crackers.
  • Emailing or phoning a co-worker may be more convenient, but walking across the office to deliver the message in person gets your blood pumping
  • Drink more water. It has zero calories, no caffeine and no carbs, and it can help curb your appetite and reduce hunger cravings

For more great health and fitness ideas, check out the following sources:

This ABC News article offers unique tips for staying in shape at work:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/TakeControlOfYourLife/story?id=1479392

Busy schedule? No time for making the right nutrition choices?
AARP.org offers this advice for eating right when you're eating on the run:
http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/eating/a2003-03-07-eatingrun.html

For a more holistic approach to healthy living, the Healthy Mind, Healthy Body blog discusses how exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, meditation and spirituality can help keep your mind and body in harmony:
http://mindandbodyhealth.blogspot.com/