Five Ways To Cut Out The Office Fat

1. Lounge in Your Executive Chair

Executive chairs allow you to lean back and then return to a respectable position. If you don’t have one of your own borrow one in the conference room on your lunch hour. The chair’s built-in resistance puts you in the ideal safe position for doing crunches. Push back with your toes and keep your back pressed against the chair back. Appear thoughtful while you sway slowly back and forth.

2. Walk downstairs
Studies with mice have shown that you become stronger and faster by doing what’s called “negative” or “eccentric” work. Walking down instead of up is the speedier way for rodents and humans to get strong. Best of all, you won’t sweat as this work is not physically demanding. If you’re lucky enough to work in a building with an elevator consider walking down several or even dozens of flights a day. You’ll miss all those germs and people in the elevator – and tone your calves and thighs.

3. Press your Desk

When someone or something drives you crazy — pop off 10 desk presses. Lean forward, hands on the edge of the desk, and press down and back, as in a push up. The desk press is a great stress buster and will tone your back, chest and shoulders. If the boss asks what the hell you’re doing, tell him it’s how Arnold Schwarzenegger stays pumped in the Governor’s Office.

4. Lift the HR Manual

Most corporations have enormously heavy binders that mindlessly list office policies, rules and regulations. Software manuals are a good substitute. Hoist overhead for ten reps 3 times a day. Resist temptation to hurl.

5. Make a Fist — and Dream

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be reduced by repeatedly making a fist and squeezing your wrist and forearm. This exercise increases blood flow and tones critical supporting muscles. Punching not required.

— Jonathan Littman

Comments

[Laurie Ruettimann - Punk Rock HR]

What if you like being the office fatty? What then?!

[Jon Littman]

Go with your strengths I always say. Studies show executives tend to be of generous proportions. As are Opera singers, football linemen, Sumo wrestlers, and so on. If you're a Soloist you will make your proportions an asset!