How to Fit in Exercise at the Office

Posted on July 29, 2014 by OfficePlus

As we lead such busy lives, fitting in a daily workout can become quite the challenge. However, squeezing in targeted exercises a few times a day is better than skipping an entire workout. Here are a few exercises you can do at the office (suggested by this article):

In the Elevator

As we all have heard, you can get some exercise in by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. However, taking the stairs isn’t always the most ideal when heading to a meeting. Instead, try doing wall sits in the elevator by pressing your back against the wall, dropping to a 90 degree sitting position, and holding the pose for the duration of the elevator ride. Wall sits are great for working your quadriceps, glutes, and core.

In the Restroom

While washing your hands, rest your forearms on the counter and do single leg squats. Life one leg off of the ground and bend into a squat position with the other leg, making sure the knee doesn’t go too far over the toes. Do 10 squats per leg.

At your Desk

leg exercise at office work - standing man reading at tablet

While sitting at your desk, or even at a meeting, you can do ab vacuums to build strength in the deep abdominal muscles that support your posture and aid in stability. Draw your abdominals in, pulling the naval towards the spine, and hold for a count of three then release. Another exercise you can do at your desk is leg raises. Sit at the back of your chair and bring your legs up and lower them without allowing your feet to touch the floor. Start with sets of 12 then gradually increase up to sets of 20. Leg raises work the lower part of the abdominal wall, close to where the belt buckle is. As for arms, try some tricep dips at the end of your chair. Scoot off of the chair, hold on to the end of the chair (your arms should be behind your body), and lower your body.

In the Car

Ab vacuums can not only be done at a desk, but they can be done in the car as well. For an arm workout, try isometric contractions. Hold the bottom of the steering wheel, flex your biceps and hold for a few seconds. For triceps, hold the top of the steering wheel then flex and hold your triceps.

At the Airport

Squeeze in some cardio by walking around the airport. Many airports have walking paths, yoga rooms, and even full-service gyms for travelers to utilize.

Improve your Work Day with these Beneficial Snacks

Posted on June 10, 2014 by OfficePlus

What you decide to eat throughout the day not only impacts your health but also your productivity. It is important to eat well throughout the day so that your body can perform at its highest potential. Eating foods that are high in fat or sugar will result in low energy as high fat foods take more work to digest and high sugar foods will spike the blood stream then crash. Don’t let temptations or a lack of time stop you from eating the nutritional foods your body desires. This article gives advice on which snacks to consume to get the nutrition your body needs.

Healthy snacking at work

Along with eating well, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night as sleep deprivation affects appetite and pushes you to eat twice the amount of calories as you normally would consume in a day.

Here are 16 quick, healthy, and inexpensive snacks:

Almonds

Almonds make a satisfying snack that is rich in protein and healthy fats. They contain 9 essential nutrients, have the highest rate of proteins and fiber (3.5g fiber per 23 pieces) compared to other nuts, are rich in Vitamin E (35% daily value in 23 pieces), and contain monounsaturated fats.

Low-Fat Popcorn

As you may not know, popcorn is actually a good source of fiber (8g per 100g) and is a perfect snack to satisfy a craving for something crunchy and salty. Try to get popcorn that is low in fat as high fat foods take time to digest.

Fresh Fruit

Fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a great snack for when you are craving something sweet. Fruits, especially berries, are high in antioxidants which help create a stronger immune system and a better work performance.

Dried Fruit

A less messy option to fresh fruit – dried fruit is high in fiber and potassium which makes them a great snack especially when in the mood for something sweet and chewy. Try dried apricots, apples, bananas, or raisins.

Dry Cereal

Try a cereal like bran flakes that contains a low glycemic index. The brain draws most of its energy from glucose, so by consuming cereals with a low glycemic index, glucose will be slowly released to the bloodstream which will minimize blood sugar swings. Best of all, these foods will increase brainpower and mental focus.

Protein Bar

Try to choose a protein bar that is less than 200 calories and contains fruits and nuts. Make sure to check the labels as many protein bars are high in calories.

Mini Flavoured Rice Cakes

For the times you feel the need to cheat your nutrition, grab some mini flavoured rice cakes. They’re low in calories and come in a variety of different flavours so you can get the satisfaction you’re looking for without paying the consequences.

Pretzels

Aside from the salt, pretzels are low in fat and can give you some carbs to help manage your hunger between meals.

Bananas

One medium sized banana contains the needed amount of glucose by the brain to perform at its best. Frozen bananas are a great substitute to ice cream. If you’re having a sweet tooth moment, drizzle some dark chocolate on the banana to satisfy your craving.

String Cheese or Cottage Cheese

Cheese is a good source of protein which will keep your blood sugar levels steady so that you won’t become tired.

Wasabi Peas

For the people who like spicy, crunchy, and salty – try wasabi peas. They contain fiber and protein which will give you some energy and keep your blood sugars from lowering.

Hard-Boiled Egg

Eggs are a great source of protein and will keep you feeling full for some time. Try to eat your hard-boiled eggs in the kitchen away from your fellow employees as the smell can be offensive.

Vegetables and Hummus

Hummus is a good source of calcium, iron, protein, and fiber and eating it with vegetables is the perfect nutritious snack that is satisfying to both your body and your taste buds.

Tomato Juice

Sometimes when you think you are hungry or crave sugar, you are actually thirsty. Try to defeat this by having a low sodium tomato or vegetable juice.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics, protein, calcium, vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and good bacteria. Maximize your nutrition and create a delicious snack by adding granola and fresh fruit to the yogurt.

Apples and Peanut Butter

The protein in the peanut butter and the fiber and carbohydrates in the apple will hold you over for a few hours. Satisfy your taste buds with this tasty snack. If you don’t like peanut butter (or are allergic) substitute it for almond butter.

Tips for Staying Safe This Flu Season

Posted on December 3, 2013 by OfficePlus

Flu season has come early this year. The Public Health Agency of Canada says influenza activity has continued to increase the last four weeks in a row.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with the flu can spread it to others up to approximately six feet away by coughing, sneezing or talking. But you’re also susceptible to get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching your own mouth or nose.

Employees who work in close quarters at the office are especially vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. Chances are you come in contact with dozens of contaminated surfaces every day. This is why it is even more critical you take the appropriate steps to help reduce your chances of getting – or spreading – the flu. Talk Clean To Me offers three “intervention strategies” to help you stay safe this flu season. Check them out here.