What Can I Do To Burn Calories While Sitting At My Desk At Work?

If you're trying to lose weight, the time you spend sitting in front of your desk at work can seem like wasted time. Instead of waiting for the hours to pass until you hit the gym, take advantage of every minute by performing a few simple exercises that will help you burn more calories and lose weight more quickly.

Chair Squats

This is perhaps one of the easiest at-your-desk exercises you can do, since it requires nothing but your body and your chair. Sit in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in your lap. Without touching the armrests, lift yourself out of your chair using your leg muscles. You may want to extend your arms out in front of you to help you balance. Stand straight up, then lower yourself back down slowly into your chair. Do 10 to 12 repetitions at a time throughout the day as you feel the need. You can do this exercise while on a conference call, for example.

Desk Pushups

There's no need to hit the floor in your office if you want to strengthen your arms and get your heart rate up. You can use your table to perform standard pushups. Stand several feet away from your desk and extend your arms out so your hands are resting on the edge. Lean forward so most of your body weight is on your hands and arms. Lower your body down toward the desk as you bend your elbows, just as you would for a standard pushup. Push your body back up for one repetition. Do 20 to 25 pushups in quick succession to get your heart rate elevated.

Use Under-the-Desk Pedals

If you're serious about burning calories while you work, and you want to do something that will allow you to free up your hands and arms, you could try a set of under-the-desk pedals. Most types of these pedals are built to fit right under your desk, allowing you to work out as often or as long as you want. Some models will even allow you to adjust the resistance to give you more or less of a workout, depending on your needs and energy level.

Keep Fitness Equipment at Your Desk

Plenty of fitness equipment options are available that will help you burn calories at your desk but are also small enough to fit in a drawer or under your desk. Purchase a couple of light dumbbells and do bicep curls while you check your email. Purchase a medicine ball and do upper-body twists while you sit at your desk.