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Five Ways To Burn Calories at Work!

Most of today's jobs call for little or no physical activity. Despite all the benefits of modern technology, the result is an overweight workforce. Indeed today's workers are heavier than ever - 66 percent of the nation's workers weigh far more than they should and what is healthy. So what can you do to combat this when your job keeps you in your seat, at your desk - day-in and day-out? Read more inside...
Exercise at WorkFive Ways To Burn Calories at Work!
 

Most of today's jobs call for little or no physical activity. Despite all the benefits of modern technology, the result is an overweight workforce. Indeed today's workers are heavier than ever - 66 percent of the nation's workers weigh far more than they should and what is healthy. So what can you do to combat this when your job keeps you in your seat, at your desk - day-in and day-out?

Today's average worker burns on average 130 fewer calories a day compared with 50 years ago. So how's a body (yours!) to burn up those extra calories. Here are some easy fixes to the calorie burning dilemma.

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. This is pretty much of a no-brainer, but here's a new twist. Instead of just walking straight up and down, step sideways. Walking - or climbing - straight does wonders for the quads, hamstrings and glutes. But adding a sideways steps, also works the inner and outer thighs.

2. Ditch your car. If you're close enough to your office - a mile or two - walk to and from work. Walking lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes, among many other health benefits.

3. If you must drive, park a few blocks from your office. Just walking a couple of blocks each way will help tone and burn calories.

4. Here's a unique idea. Go talk to your co-workers face-to-face, rather than emailing them. It doesn't matter if that person is in the cubicle next door or five floors up. Every little bit helps.

5. Take a fitness break. Instead of hitting the employees lounge for coffee (or, worse yet, a snack), take a walk around your office building or do some stretches.

Just try these small changes in your work day routine and you'll burn off those 100+ calories - and more. You'll not only drop a few pounds, we bet you'll discover you'll perform better (after all, your brain is a muscle, too) and very likely feel better physically and emotionally.


About the Author
Mikelle Streicher, PhD, RN, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP), a leader in providing health care services, group medical insuranceand education in the area of Workplace Wellness with its WorkForce Wellness program. Florida Health Care Plansis the the second-oldest HMO in the United States and is able to provide full-service health insurance solutions to individuals and employer groups in Volusia and Flagler counties in east central Florida.