Page 28 - BusinessWest April 3, 2023

MOVE MORE SIT LESS
Guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends a healthy lifestyle of 30 – 60 minutes of exercise a day and 2 days of weight lifting to attain the most benefits from physical activity.
At Healthtrax our experienced team can help you get started on your way to physical fit- ness and wellbeing. It’s never been a better time than now to take care of your health.
MOVE MORE, sit less.
Visit HEALTHTRAX.COM OR CALL 800-505-5000 FOLLOW US
An Active Office
Experts Reveal Ways to Stay Fit Working from Home
Standing desks are standard at many local companies.
Office
>>
Since COVID-19 swept across the globe, many industries have shifted to fully remote or hybrid working. During the
pandemic, 70% of the workforce was working from home, and since then, 62% of companies have planned to incorporate remote work, be it fully remote or hybrid.
With more and more people working from the comfort of their own home, concerns have arisen that this model may be associated with more sedentary lifestyles and, in turn, increased risk of obesity. Most of our calo- ries throughout the day are burned through non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which includes walking and other basic activities. When working from home, sometimes those activities can be even more limited.
Here are a few ideas from online fitness resource Total Shape to stay fit even while working from home.
Standing Desk ($150-$600)
Standing desks have gained popularity over the last few years and have been proven to provide many positive health benefits. Simply put, standing burns more calories than sit- ting, even if you simply stand still. Research has also shown that 66% of workers felt more productive, and 87% felt more energized, using standing desks. Standing activates the
muscles in your legs and core while stimulat- ing circulation, which can help you to burn extra calories (typically 60 to 90 per hour) and build your strength. Standing desks come in a range of styles and cater to many differ- ent budgets, meaning this is an accessible option for all.
Desk Treadmill ($200-$800)
Although it is a more expensive option,
this is one of the most effective ways to stay
fit while working at home. It essentially takes the standing desk a step further by adding the walking element. Studies have shown that walking between 1 and 2.5 mph can lead to an extra 170 to 240 calories burned per hour. Not only have people encountered the physi- cal benefits of getting more exercise, but walk- ing helps oxygenate the brain by stimulating blood circulation. In other words, we think better and more efficiently when we walk. With most people having busy schedules outside of work, it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of physical exercise, which makes this a great way to stay fit while working from home.
“Roughly two
in three people
in the U.S. are overweight, and with many aspects of life becoming more sedentary, it’s important that people try to find new ways to keep fit and healthy.”
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28 APRIL 3, 2023
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