ASICS desk exercises for National Employee Health and Fitness Day

Did you know today is National Employee Health and Fitness Day? I started my morning out with an awful 3 mile run which I'd rather not discuss. Instead, I want to share ASICS info-graphic on how to stay active at work.

I have had a desk job my entire career. I now work from home and while one would think that makes life easier to stay active, it is quite the opposite. I sometimes find myself never getting up during the work day. These desk exercises will help you stay active while at work.

The average American sits 50%-70% of the day - that equals 93. hours a day, 46.5 hours per week. Mind boggling numbers that have really bad side affects. Those Mondays-Fridays desk sitters become part of the 80% of Americans that fall short of the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week

Too much sitting is associated with: 21% increased risk of lung cancer, 24% increased risk of colon cancer, 32% increased risk of endometrial cancer. Also if you aren't active, you will not burn as many calories.

Here are some easy steps to stay active during the workday.

MORNING: Prior to lunch, find a few minutes to do leg lifts, desk push-ups and reverse desk push-ups. If you are in a cubical, get a group together to keep each other accountable (and so you don't look silly).

LUNCH: During lunch time, do leg squats, cubical wall sits and chair dead lifts. 

AFTERNOON: Before you head home for the day, do spinal twists, climb the stairs and do shoulder shrugs. I love these reps as they not only help you stay fit but also act as a stress relief. 

DESK MOTIVATION: Have items around your desk that motivate you. I have my ASICS mini marathoner (aka Mini Megan) which was made for me during the 2014 NYC Marathon. Beside Mini Megan is my 2014 runDisney Vinylmation Dopey Mickey, who is a constant reminder that I ran 48.6 miles in 4 days.