How to Lose Weight Working From Home?

Working remotely has many perks. We get to spend more time with our family, pay less for gas, and stay in the comfort of our own homes. But one negative of remote work that we may not be thinking about is how it may impact the amount of physical activity we get throughout the day.

Even if you had a desk job before, working at home may limit your opportunities to move your body. But this is not something you should feel guilty about. The reality is that many of us have struggled to meet the weekly exercise recommendations since working from home became common.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (such as brisk walking) each week and include muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

Some of us may be hitting this goal already, while others may struggle if they live a more sedentary lifestyle. But have no fear! There are several easy tips you can follow while working from home to help you increase your body movement and ultimately feel more energized throughout the day.

Tip #1:

Take a break every hour. Make it a habit to step away from your computer and desk space each hour you work. Whether you take a bathroom break, refill your water glass or stretch your legs, your body and brain need a change of scenery. A quick routine break will also make you feel refreshed and focused for your next work task.

Tip #2:

Stand and stretch. This is something so simple, but many of us may not even be thinking about it throughout the day. Before each hour break, stretch your arms, back, legs, and anywhere else you like. Stretching wakes up your body and works on your muscles’ flexibility.

Tip #3:

Go outside on your lunch break. Sometimes, this is easier said than done, but your lunch hour is your best chance of getting in those daily steps.

You may be tempted just to sit and go on your phone, but you would be doing yourself a favor to grab those sneakers and sunglasses and head outside for a brisk walk.

If you would rather eat at your table indoors, you can still save yourself 30 minutes of walking around the neighborhood. Use this as a time to relax and destress.

Tip #4:

Instead of using a chair at your desk, try sitting on a stability ball for part of the day. This challenges your body to sit straight without falling off and requires you to engage your core muscles. You also will improve your posture on a ball rather than slouching in a chair.

Tip #5:

Practice butt clenches while you are sitting. Squeeze your glute muscles as hard as possible and hold for 10 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds, and then repeat as many times as you feel like during the day.

Tip #6:

Keep a set of light weights by your desk. If you have a phone call that doesn’t require you to be typing at your computer, you can use these weights to your advantage and get in a few reps while still being on the clock. Every little bit you can do to support your muscle strengthening counts. You can also try using resistance bands, a jump rope, or even invest in an exercise bike for under your desk.

Tip #7:

Place your office equipment out of reach. If you have everything you need close by to your chair, this doesn’t motivate you to get up and reach around. By moving things like your stapler, printer, and hole puncher a few feet away, you are giving yourself the incentive to take a few extra steps throughout your day.

Tip #8:

Let your body move to the music! If you are feeling low energy or having a demanding workday, try to play some upbeat music and dance for a few minutes. Don’t worry. Nobody is watching you (just make sure your webcam is off). Dancing is a fun way to get in some cardio and get your blood flowing.

Tip #9:

Use a pedometer. By keeping track of your daily steps, you can challenge yourself to do better than the day before. You can also make it a fun competition between other remote employees.

Tip #10:

Take the time you are saving from not commuting and use it as exercise time either before or after you clock out. Make the time savings count toward a heart health goal rather than extra hours of sleep.

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your work-from-home routine. Start with one of these simple tips and slowly add more each week.

By finding changes that will work with your lifestyle, you are more likely to maintain them for the long haul. And a happier, healthier you means less stress and a lower risk of job burnout.