Sit and be fit

Yes, my post today is inspired by the sensational senior fitness show on PBS. The Sit and Be Fit woman is one smart lady, let me tell you. I only wish I had her dedication. Because honestly, I think I’m going to need it.

At my office, there is never a shortage of donuts, candy, cookies and chocolate. You name it, you can find it there. Whether it’s free cookie day or someone's birthday, I never have to travel far to satisfy my sweet tooth. Not to mention the Christmas candy I still have stashed in my desk drawer (shameful, I know).

But last Friday, after one too many large frosted Valentine’s Day sugar cookies and the ensuing sugar-coma stomachache, I realized it was time for me to shape up or ship out. And since I can’t go a day without chocolate, I decided to suck it up and start working out (one of my least favorite pastimes).

The only problem is that I have NO idea when to squeeze in workouts during the week. I’m gone every day from 7:30am to 6:30pm, and when I get home, I eat dinner, watch a little TV (I need my Modern Family, Office and Bachelor fixes!) and then go to bed. Sure, I could get up extra early to work out, but I love to sleep. And I am most definitely NOT a morning person.

So that’s when I started thinking about Sit and Be Fit (maybe I shouldn’t admit that). I spend most of my day sitting at my desk hunched over like a lump, but who says I have to? Isn’t there a way I could fit exercises into my workday? I did a little Google investigating and discovered some very fascinating work-based exercise sites…

5 Minute Office Workout—MSN created this cool, interactive site with a bunch of great workouts led by Bob Harper (of Biggest Loser fame). Some of these require some equipment (like a baby…weird), but they’re pretty handy. Plus, it offers step-by-step guides and lunch tips. Yum!

Desktop Yoga—For those of you looking for a more inconspicuous workout, take a breather with yoga poses you can easily do at your desk. They’ll help you feel refreshed, control your breathing and release built-up tension. Happy stretching!

Desk Exercises—This straightforward site lets you choose the area you want to target and then gives you a variety of detailed instructions on how to work that area…at work. It offers quick fitness solutions to common trouble areas, which are sure to be helpful. Say goodbye to a pain in the neck!

Hopefully your coworkers won't think you're too weird when you're spotted doing sit-ups or lifting babies in your cubicle. So go ahead and have fun getting fit at work. After all, it's like getting paid to exercise...right?