17 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk

In corporate America, we all seem to be losing our minds trying to find time to do everything on our lists from conferences to data entry, and in the chaos, we tend to completely forget to find time to exercise. If you're trying to slim down for summer, it tends to take hours of schedule manipulation just to fit in a couple minutes of yoga at the beginning of the day. One of the best ways to find time to exercise is to wake up earlier or go to bed later, but most people don't have this luxury, already sleeping six hours (or less!) per day. What are you to do?

I've assembled a list of exercises perfect for a work space, including cubicles and private offices, which will keep your body in tip-top shape. While you won't be Arnold, you can surely be a thinner version of you!

Intense, Short Aerobics for your "Alone time"

1. Start with a simple pseudo-run. Pump your arms above your head for 30 seconds, then run in place (Get those knees up!) as fast as you can for 30 seconds. Repeat a few times.
   
2. Pretend to jump rope. Swing your wrists in circles while you bounce in place, or alternate legs for an easier version.
3. Do jumping jacks! Either modified or standard, these are a great exercise to get your heart pounding.
4. Do some walking lunges in an empty conference room (Or down the hallway, if you'd like to amuse your co-workers). Tone up that bum while you get your lungs going.
5. Take the stairs 5 to 7 times per day.

Get those arms firmed

1. Do some one-(or two)-legged squats while you wait for the Internet to load or the copy machine.
   
2. Sitting down, lift one leg off the seat,straight up, hold, extend to the floor (Don't actually touch the floor!), hold, and then repeat. Do this 15 times on each leg.
   
3. Place both your hands on the arms of your chair. Slowly lift your buttocks into the air. Lower (but don't touch the chair). Repeat.
4. Put your hands on your desk. Walk backwards. Lower your chest to the desk (like a push-up). Repeat.
   
5. This one may look like you're about to be sick: push yourself away from your desk with your arms, and look down. Then pull yourself back. Repeat. This is a great stretch for your back.

Streeeeeeetch...

1. Let your head fall over and nearly touch your shoulder. Gently tug it closer with your arm. Repeat. Slowly.
2. Turn your head to one side and your torso to the other. Hold. Repeat.
3. Put your hands on your hips with your fingers pointing towards the floor. Try to push your elbows together behind your back.
4. Stand up. Reach your hands above your head. Sway one hip outwards while you extend the opposite hand higher. Alternate. Repeat.

You can't see me!

If your boss is giving you hell for this, try some invisible exercises. Clench your butt cheeks together, hold, hold, and hold some more. Relax. Repeat. Or suck in your gut as far as you can (think belly button to your spine). Again, hold as long as you can, relax. Raise your chest by contracting your rib cage (like a belly dancer -- don't use your breath to control it). Relax it and try to make it bounce.

If you're still aching to get out and play, simply be sure to exercise every chance you get. Walk around instead of sitting. Try to walk at lunch. If it's boring to you, buy a camera and take pictures. See if you can get other people to try some of your exercises, for example!