Yep, you read that right: studies suggest that sitting for long periods of time without movement is as bad for our bodies as smoking! 

That might seem extreme, but consider this: human beings are meant to move. Our bodies are designed to run, jump, lift, squat, swim and do all kinds of movements that we just don’t do anymore on a regular basis. 

Many of us find ourselves in sedentary jobs that require us to sit for long periods of time. That sitting only makes us more tired and lethargic. Ever noticed how, after a long day at work, all you want to do is go home and crash on the sofa? Sitting begets sitting. 

If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, try these quick tips to get your body moving again. 

Walk Don’t Type 

Unfortunately, email has made us more sedentary than we need to be. Rather than sending an email to your co-worker, take the time to walk to his or her office and have a chat. This small amount of movement will do your body good and it’s always nicer to connect in person than through your keyboard. 

Split Up Your Cardio 

Studies have shown that doing one 30-minute chunk of cardio exercise is just as effective as doing two 15-minute chunks of cardio. Good news! No more plodding along on the treadmill for what feels like forever! 

This means that if you have a 30-minute lunch break, you can spend 15 minutes going for a walk and do another 15 minutes after work. Voila. Your cardio quota is filled for the day. 

Now, this is great, because you don’t have to go to the gym and get all sweaty during your lunch break. It’s just about moving your body. 

Do Some Desk Exercise 

Even small things make a huge difference. When you’ve been sitting for an hour, stand up and do 10 squats at your desk. Really, I mean it.  TRY IT. If you’re in customer service and you spend your day on the phone, no one’s going to see you if you stop and do 10 squats in between calls!  But your body will thank you.

Jumping jacks, push-ups, squats and triceps dips are all simple exercises you can do right at your desk. Do 10 of each and you’ll be feeling pretty darn energized! Be sure to set a timer every hour so you remember to keep moving. 

It’s really about taking care of your body and making sure that you don’t let things get too stagnant. Remember, the more you move, the more you’ll want to move because success breeds success.