Standup to Live Longer

Have you ever calculated the amount of time you sit all day? Commuting in your car or metro, parking yourself in a desk-job and watching TV on the couch. This form of physical entrapment is leading you towards a sedentary lifestyle.

Beware long stretches of inactiveness are going to be your nemesis. Apart from broadening your waistline it can cause posture-related problems and serious health issues – diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Dubai Fitness Challenge has been encouraging masses regardless of age or profession to commit to 30 minutes of activity for 30 days and it’s high time you listen to your body and get moving.

Even though your job may be desk-bound, we have listed simple ways to help you get more on-your-feet during the day:

Muscle-powered commute Instead of riding in your car, public bus or metro, try walking or cycling to the office (if the distance is manageable). If not try parking your car far away from the office and walk the distance to give your body good exercise each morning. Also evade the elevator and climb the stairs instead to burn calories and get in shape.

Mini-exercises- flex, stretch, repeat If your company allows request for height adjustable desks that also allow you to stand while working. Try doing some flutter kicks and ankle movements while reading emails. Also make it a point to get up every time to refill your glass/bottle of water and walk to your colleague to clarify any work points.

Motivate co-workers too Some friendly competition is healthy, and you can pass the fitness bug to your colleagues too. Fix a weight reduction target and together join gym, sports clubs or fitness programmes. Encourage your colleagues to walk with you during break hours or install simple movement tracking apps like Steppi to ensure a daily dose of activity.

Move during non-office hours During off-duty hours, park away from supermarkets or restaurants. On weekends make multiple trips to grocery stores or malls to give yourself good reasons to move. While watching TV at home, get up and exercise during the advertisement breaks. As post-dinner activity, do some housekeeping chores like doing the dishes or walking the pet.

Watch your diet Lastly no amount of exercise can help if you don’t control what you eat. Switch to high-protein, mineral and vitamin-rich diet throughout the day. Say a strict no to carbonated drinks, excessive fried, junk and tinned foods.

No longer be a couch potato by getting your body to move more. By exercising and eating well through the day you can do wonders to your health.

Alvina Clara, Content Writer, emQube

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