The Best Exercises to do at Your Standing Desk
Recently, more and more offices and workplaces have invested money in purchasing standing desks for their employees.
Recently, more and more offices and workplaces have invested money in purchasing standing desks for their employees. But what are standing desks and why the sudden increase in popularity? Well, you’ve probably noticed a distinct increase in the amount of people working in offices, sat at desks in front of computers and piles of paperwork. This reliance on technology has resulted in more and more people leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles which has had a negative impact on their weight, and their health in general. Standing desks have been created in a bid to counter this. A standing desk is basically a desk, often adjustable, which you stand at to work, rather than sit at. To get the most health benefits from your standing desk however, there are a series of exercises that you can try. Here are some of the best exercises to do at your standing desk.
Calf Raises
One of the easiest, and most effective exercises you can do at your stand-up desk is the humble calf raise. Calf raises work the calf muscles as you might expect, although they also target the hamstrings and the glutes, and they burn off a few calories as well.
To perform calf raises, begin by stepping back slightly from your desk, making sure there’s nobody behind you or to your sides.
Next, firmly place both palms flat onto the desk in front of you, hold your head up, and engage your core.
Now, slowly raise both of your heels at the same time, making sure to keep your tip toes planted firmly on the floor.
You should feel a deep stretch in your calf muscles as you lift your heels off of the floor.
Repeat for 3 sets of 20 reps.
Bodyweight squats
Up next we have bodyweight squats. These are exercises that can be done anywhere, yet at a standing desk they’re especially useful because you require very little space to do them. Bodyweight squats work your quads, your calves, your hamstrings, your glutes, and even your core as well.
To do a bodyweight squat, begin by ensuring that your standing desk area is clear of any obstructions.
Now, slowly take a step back, cross your arms over your chest so that your right palm is resting on your left shoulder, and vice versa, and stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Your feet should be pointing at 10 and 2 on a clockface.
