How to Burn Calories Fast and Whittle While You Work

How to Burn Calories Fast at Your Desk

If getting back to work after holiday break means spending most of your day at a desk, this doesn’t mean your new wellness plan has to take a back seat. You just need to learn how to burn calories fast with the right tools and targeted moves.

So you have a new wellness plan in place for the New Year. Or maybe you are looking to shed that holiday layer. Either way, getting back to routine may mean sitting at a desk for several hours each day. How does that figure into your fitness plan?

We know that sitting for many hours each day is linked to such health problems as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But physical inactivity also makes it hard for us to focus, engage with others effectively, and utilize our creativity. It’s called brain drain and is your body’s way of telling you…it’s time to take a walk. Literally.

Your job doesn’t have to undo all of your hard work. Here are some simple and effective tips and tricks to help you stay on track with your health regimen while you work.

How to Burn Calories Fast and Whittle While You Work

First of all, good posture is key to performing any exercise properly and safely. Be sure you are sitting up straight in your desk chair with head balanced over your waist. Both feet should be flat on the floor. One way to make sure you don’t start to slump is by sitting on an activity seat or exercise ball while working. Try the Swopper spring chair or Gaiam Balance Ball Chair. Both are said to not only promote proper alignment, but tone core and improve circulation.

To burn real calories while you work there are several high tech desk options. Standing desks mean muscles stay engaged and staying on your feet helps to keep blood pumping. Take it one step further with a treadmill desk. Granted, you will need to be more coordinated to pull this off but think of the calories you’ll burn!

Alternative desk side calorie burners are under desk stair steppers or ellipticals. They also take up less space and are a less expensive option. There is even an under desk bike for those who like to cycle. You may need to be self employed to score one of these. Or maybe ask your boss about a wellness program and adding these to your workspace.

If you work near others you probably aren’t able to go into full on workout mode. There are exercises you can do while seated that are quick and practically unnoticeable. This mini workout will tone up the important areas and you don’t even have to stand up. Blast that new muffin top with this waist whittler. Tighten your abdominal muscles like you are bracing to get punched in the stomach. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat 10 times. Next up, let’s target that booty. Tighten your glute muscles, hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Finally, hold arms out to sides, parallel to floor. Rotate arms forward, as if you are holding a bottle of water and pouring it onto the floor, 20 times. Next, make tiny circles 20 times in each direction. May sound easy but you’ll definitely feel the burn. For more at your desk exercise ideas, check out Tracy Anderson’s Office Workout.

You’ve heard it before but we’ll say it again. Take the stairs! Walk to your coworkers desk rather than emailing her. Offer to run to the mailroom instead of letting them come to you. Step outside for a quick walk on break rather than standing at the coffee counter. Park your car at the outer edge of the parking lot rather than near the door. It all adds up to calories burned.

Related on EcoSalon

Exercise is the Best Heart Disease Prevention Tool

20 Foods to Give You Energy

11 Ways to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

Image by Viktor Hanacek at Picjumbo.com

Liz Thompson

Liz Thompson is an organic beauty expert who has been researching and writing on the subjects of natural beauty, health, and wellness for over 10 years. She specializes in sharing safe beauty products and her knowledge on healthy ingredients with her readers, and helping organic beauty brands and shop owners share their message and products with the world through her writing services.