Did you know, a staggering 81% of UK office workers spend between four and nine hours each day sitting at a desk? That’s around 67 sedentary days per person per year!
Don’t be too alarmed though, the general goal is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day. Therefore, fitting it into your busy schedule shouldn’t be too much of an issue!
In this blog, in celebration of National Fitness Day on 23rd September, we’re going to discuss how getting up and completing that 30 minutes of physical activity can boost your productivity at work, making you a happier, healthier more successful individual.
The purpose of National Fitness Day is to encourage and celebrate the fun of fitness and physical activity across the UK. So, let us explain how to combine the workplace and physical exercise to improve your quality of life.
Step it up
A great way to incorporate physical activity into a day at the office is to take the stairs. Forgot to spray your aftershave or perfume just as you were about to leave the house? Push your self to take the stairs one last time before leaving. Getting your steps in per day is one of the best ways to measure how physically active you’ve actually been.
Download the Steps App and set your target for 10,000 steps per day. Keeping track of physical activity improves your mental well being and will support productiveness at work!
A physical commute
To celebrate National Fitness Day, you could extend your commute. Park further away from the office. Get off the bus one stop before the usual. Take your bike on sunnier days. Do that little bit extra to round up the minutes spent doing physical activity. The small things will make a big difference!
Knowing that you’re doing more to improve your mind and body will leave you energized and ready for the day, increasing productivity at work.
Active lunching
It’s a common issue in the workplace that people will sit at their desk and carry on working while they eat lunch. And, although you may think this is a good thing, because you’re continuing working, it could actually be detrimental for productiveness and overall physical health.
Set a time to enjoy your lunch, take a brisk walk outside and devote your lunch break to being just that little bit more physically active. Take your eyes away from your screen and enjoy the different scenery. Is the boss questioning why you’re going out for walks each day in the sunshine? Politely remind them that increased physical activity will boost productivity and help you make better decisions in the office.
Lengthen your days
After a long day in the office, going home and lounging in front of the TV may sound appealing. But, to improve your quality of life, boost energy and become more productive, it might be a good idea to lengthen your days.
Using National Fitness Day as a source of motivation, why not take on a new hobby? Join the gym, get back into tennis, attend some free classes. There’s plenty to do in the evening which will break the days up and leave you feeling energised and excited.
Do you want to find a new hobby but aren’t sure where to start? Check out this list of 50 Low-cost Hobbies that will Excite You.
More ways to celebrate National Fitness Day…
Enter to WIN the FitBeast Exercise Resistance Bands
If you’re not keen on the idea of travelling around in the evening after work, why not stay home and increase physical activity with the FitBeast Exercise Resistance Bands. Enter for FREE to win this prize in our latest Competition, in celebration of National Fitness Day.
Bear Grylls to launch UK-wide National Fitness Day
Love Bear Grylls? The naturist daredevil himself is planning a UK-wide workout from Battersea Power Station with BMF, to kickstart National Fitness Day on Wednesday 23 September – inspiring the nation to get moving, become more productive, and enjoy a healthier life.
The Global Adventurer will be joined by BMF master trainer Tommy Matthews for a live-streamed group workout on Instagram from 8am at The Coaling Jetty in front of the iconic Battersea Power Station and River Thames, as millions of people join the day’s celebrations.
Want to feel even better in your own skin? Discover our 12 Tips For a Happier, Healthier You.