5 Simple Exercises You Can Do At Your Desk (In Under 10 Minutes!)

The Workout

Remember to start with some light stretching before you begin!

Plank knee crunch - 10 each side

Begin in a plank position, placing both hands on your chair or desk, making sure your back is straight. Then, slowly bring your knee up to your elbow, and repeat on the other side. You should be trying to engage your core (squeeze your abs) throughout the entire movement. To increase the difficulty, add a twist.

Squat pulses - 15 total

Stand with your feet between hip-width and shoulder-width apart. Initiate the squat from the hips, not the knees. Pulse at the bottom of the squat before you return to a standing position.

Chair push ups - 10 total

Begin in a plank position, placing both hands on your chair or desk. Then, bend your elbows and lower your body toward the ground, keeping your elbows at about a 45-degree angle. Push back up to a high-plank position, and repeat.

Mountain climber to plank jack - 10 sets

Begin in a plank position, placing both hands on your chair or desk. Use your abs to stabilize this position. Then, pull your right knee up towards your chest, and quickly switch to do the same with the left knee, like you're climbing a mountain. After four mountain climbers, return to a plank position and, like a jumping jack, hop your legs wide and then back together. Do four mountain climbers to two plank jacks.

Quad extension - 10 each leg

While sitting in your chair, place your feet on the floor, about hip-width apart. Then, extend your right knee, lifting your right leg in front of you. Make sure to squeeze your quad when your leg is at full extension. Return to the starting position, and repeat this movement for the left leg.

Reasons To Exercise At Your Desk

1. It will boost your productivity

Sometimes the best cure for that midday slump is to get the blood pumping! Physical activity is a great way to refocus your mind, and you'll go back to work feeling refreshed and re-energized and ready to tackle any assignment that comes across your desk.

2. No equipment needed

Nope, none at all. You don't need to hop on a treadmill or other exercise machine, or worry about weights or resistance bands to reap the benefits.

3. It's quick, easy, and effective

Really, what more could you ask for? With exercises you can do at your desk, like the ones mentioned above, you'll see results in the short term and long term.

Self-care is important, especially in the professional sphere. When you're not at your best, your career isn't at its best. It's about consistency, and taking those few minutes out of your day to do something just for yourself and your well-being.

Want To Be Happier At Work? Exercise Isn't The Only Way...

Lots of studies have shown that exercise can help boost your mood and your self-confidence. And when you exercise at work, that happiness follows you wherever you go, in meetings and conversations with your co-workers.

If you want more tips on how to be happier at work, check out this article!