Working Out while Working Online

Pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to everybody’s lives. We all are stuck at home working and kids studying, each striving hard to balance professional and personal lives. Physical activities have drastically reduced which has led to health issues and lethargy. Being active is extremely important for various reasons – boosting health, increases energy, promotes brain function, lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases, and many more. Stuck at home must not be the reason of inactive lifestyle. Healthy body leads to healthy mind and helps maintain a work-life balance. Few ways to sneak in some movement are:

Catch up on those body movements during meeting hours

Turning off the camera during meetings is a great way to sneak in some stretches and desk workouts. But these ideas must be customized and evaluated for individual use.

Taps on trash cans: Put a trash can in front and tap its edge with one foot while balancing on other foot. Repeat and customize your speed.

Triceps dips: Sit on edge of chair (stationary), palms on handles and fingers forward. Lower the body so elbows are bent at 45 or 90 degrees. Keeping back straight and close to chair, press on palms to straighten hands and then back to bent position. Repeat.

Wall sit: Stand against the wall, walk feet forward so body slides down until hips are at knee level, and knees are at angle of 90 degree. Hold for 30-60 seconds. Release and repeat.

Hamstring curls while standing: Stand in front of desk and hold edges for support. Shifting weight on one leg, bend other knee and bring heel to hip. Lower and repeat with other leg.

These are easy body movements that can be done while online meetings and can be squeezed in routine easily. Lockdown must not be an excuse to be a couch potato.