Summer is right around the corner and many of you are about to work for eight-hour periods in a fancy office for the first time, performing various tasks or staring at a computer screen. How does one manage to stay fit after so many long, dreadful hours? Working for eight hours is tiring as it is, and running on a treadmill is probably the last thing on your mind. Well, here are a few tips for staying fit this summer!
1. Avoid Energy Drinks
We all have those days when we feel like we need a big energy drink to get the day going. However, cutting out these drinks (and even sodas) can make the biggest different for your diet. Instead, replace these high calorie drinks with good liquid calories, like a smoothie. A smoothie can be incredibly healthy and can fill you up for hours, providing you with energy. Avoid pre-made smoothies like “Naked Juices.” Some “healthy” drinks actually make you think they are healthy for you, when they are not! If you are not up for a smoothie and are craving a soda, just drink water. Hydrating during work is the best way to go.
2. Video Workouts
When you are having a long day and you don’t feel like making it all the way to the gym because it is pouring out, there is always plenty of workout videos online that you can do right at home! You may think that these videos will not do anything for you, but they can be just as great as a workout if you are into it. All you need is wifi and some open space. One of my favorite workout videos is the Class FitSugar Series. They have videos with different amounts of time intervals for however long you want your workouts to be.
3. Bring Your Workout Clothes to Work
If you are feeling ambitious and want to have a long workout, bring your clothes and sneakers to with you in a bag so you can start your exercise right after work! This way, you are being efficient and you can relax right after. If your workplace is located in a nice area for an outdoor run, start your workout there! Time goes by real fast after working these long hours, so the more efficient you are about your schedule, the better your workout will be.
4. Make Your Own Workout
Try to walk during your lunch break if it is nice out! Park further away if you drive to work. Instead of escalators and elevators, take the stairs. Get up from your desk chair and keep your feet busy if you can!
5. Do Not Skip Breakfast.
Eat a breakfast filled with protein. It will keep you satisfied for a while, so you will not have to snack on foods with empty calories, like chips, that are high in salt and cholesterol. Your metabolism slows down when you are asleep, so eating a few hours directly after you wake up can help boost your metabolism. Studies show that skipping breakfast will make you crave fatty foods later on. If you are one of those people who are always in a rush, keep a box of granola bars or instant oatmeal at your desk.