There are endless excuses as to why one cannot work out during the workday. We often think if we want to exercise, we have to squeeze it in by waking up extra early or taking away precious evening time. It’s why so many of us dread working out or skip the gym altogether.
However, with the right tools, a bit of planning, and willingness to experiment, working out during the day doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating! Read along for how you can get back on your exercise grind without taking more time out of your day.
1. Get the ToolsSet yourself up for success with the right products to make a quick workout a breeze. Rather than just using the floor, start with a yoga mat to create a physical space that mentally helps you get in the workout mindset (not to mention its comfier than the floor). Then, boost your collection with items that are small but packs a big physical punch. Think resistance bands, small hand weights, a jump rope, or an ab roller. If you have a bit more storage room, try incorporating a Bosu ball, mini stepper, or medicine ball.
2. Prep for Execution
In terms of dressing for both the office and exercising, be strategic about when you workout. Take time at the end of the day when you are done with meetings or choose days when you know you can dress more casually. Also, with the rise of athleisure, if you have a relaxed dress code you can even make your workout clothes work appropriate- or just pair bike shorts and a tank top under a sweater and dress pants!
When it comes to working out, take stock of your office environment. If you work in an open space, see if your building has a gym or small conference room you can use. For those with private offices, think about the contents. Can a chair be used for tricep dips? Can a box be used for step-ups? Getting creative is part of the fun of working out at work!
3. Find What Works for You
The first step is to think about how you are best motivated and what your goals are. Do you want a plan to follow or do you need a video where someone is guiding you? Are you looking for cardio or to build muscle? Even if you have no clue where to start, thinking about these different categories of workouts will help narrow down searches on what to try.
There are many ways to work out at work, including looking up free workouts on Pinterest or following YouTubers such as POPSUGAR Fitness or Yoga With Adrienne. Or, download an app like My Fitness Pal, Nike Training Club, Sweat with Kayla Itsines, and Sworkit to keep your workouts in one place. Another option is to use at-home versions of popular boutique fitness classes, such as Pure Barre on demand.
4. Use the Right Workspace
The L Street location's state-of-the-art fitness facility
Even if you have all the tools, gear, and the right mindset, nothing helps you workout at work like having a space that is well equipped for all your fitness needs. Movement is essential to your mental health and well-being at work. We were not made to sit in chairs for eight hours a day! This belief is why AdvantEdge Workspaces is committed to incorporating physical fitness into shared workspaces. Our downtown location has a brand new gym that clients are welcome to duck into during lunch or use after work to cut down on time commuting to another facility. At both locations, we bring in teachers to lead us in classes ranging from boot camp to yoga. And with our flexible workspace plans, you have plenty of room in a private office to sweat while still getting the benefits and community of a coworking space.
Come join us for class and click below to learn more about our wellness initiatives!
