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Stay in Shape with Office Exercise

Office exercise has recently become a work-place sensation. It is very difficult, in today's computer driven workplace, to find enough time to get away from the desk to do stretching exercises, or any other type of exercises.

Work days are long and many people cannot or will not take time away from their families to go to the gym before or after work. That, coupled with slowing metabolisms, has contributed to weight gain in many people. This is where office exercise and desk exercise comes into play.

Desk exercises will not completely replace aerobic workouts or time spent at the gym, but they do help keep your muscles toned and flexible. Exercises at your desk improve your posture and circulation, which suffers from sitting in an office chair all day. Workplace exercises also help you stay alert, which is always good for productivity.

Isometric exercises work well as desk exercises because they can be done anywhere. Limbs are not moved much in this type of office exercise, muscles are contracted and relaxed by turn. Desk stretches involve movements to keep muscles limber.

How to Exercise at Your Desk

1. Stretch your wrists by putting your arm out in front of you, palm up, and using your other hand to pull your fingers back toward your forearm. Flip your arm over so your palm is facing the floor and pull your fingers toward you with the other hand. Do the same with each wrist.

2. To stretch your lower back, sit tall in your chair with your right hand behind your right hip. With your left hand reach around for the right side of your chair and pull your torso into the stretch. Hold this for 15 to 30 seconds.

3. Leg extensions work both the quadriceps and abdominal muscles. Sitting tall in your seat, extend one leg until your foot is level with your hips. Tighten thigh muscles (quadriceps) and hold for 2 to 5 seconds. Put your leg back down and do 15 reps (repetitions). Do this on both sides.

4. To tone inner thighs, you will need an empty can or rolled up towel. Place it between your knees, sit up and pull your ab muscles in. Squeeze the can and release it slowly. Do 12 repetitions.

5. Another tool you can use to exercise at your desk is your full water bottle. To work your triceps, hold the water bottle in front of you in your left hand and lift your arm straight up in the air, so that your arm is next to your ear. Lower the bottle behind your head and raise it back up. Repeat this exercise 12 times with each arm. 

These are just a few of the numerous exercises that you can do without ever leaving your cubicle. A complete desk workout is just an internet search away. Doing desk exercises has never been easier. If you don't want to take time away from your family, take a few minutes each hour to tone your muscles and improve your posture through office exercise.

The previous article is on how to Increase Metabolism during midlife.

Other wiki resources: increase metabolism; losing weight; black cohosh