15-Minute Movement Challenge
15 Apr
I posed a question on my Twitter account today that got a good response. Poll: Do you have a job where you sit most of the day? Let me know.
Within five minutes, I had at least three responses. Just like that. I’m reposting the question here because not only am I interested in this phenomena but I wanted to get your feedback too. Do you sit for most of the day too?
I’ll be honest. I love my job. But I hate sitting all day. If I could hook a computer screen up to a treadmill and fit it all in my office, I’d walk all day. I’ve considered the possibility of asking for a lecture stand instead of a desk. Or bringing in the ball to sit on. But I’m still new, and I don’t want anyone to call me “that girl.” I like to be in the shadows, so to speak, at the office.
So today I had lunch (while sitting) in my office. The only thing exciting about this lunch is 1) the artichokes and 2) I’m blogging while I eat because I actually have a few minutes.
I know I’m not supposed to blog while I eat, but I don’t have the time to do both. Or at least that’s the mentality I have at this point. Not sayin’ it’s right or anything.
I actually smothered this sandwich with ketchup. I’m so addicted to it.
I am absolutely in love with string cheese. Today was no exception. This is the light kind.
I have an apple and a granola bar for later. That should suffice for the day.
So anyway, back to sitting. It really has me thinking. I can’t sit all day, every day for the rest of my life. I just can’t. And in my profession is not a very active one. But there has to be at least 15 minutes hiding somewhere in my day. Just 15 minutes could make a difference, right?
The 15-Minute Movement Challenge
I have decided that I am going to take 15 minutes out of my work day to MOVE. Whether it be walking if it’s nice outside, doing yoga in my office or even stretching and breathing deeply at my desk – I am going to give myself 15 minutes of “me time” every single day. I’ve often thought about doing this, and then work gets in the way. But I can give 15 minutes. Maybe it will mean staying 15 minutes later at work, but that’s OK. Just so long as I do SOMETHING in the middle of the day.
Is anybody with me?
Sitting all day can’t be good for us. Our bodies were meant to move. Why don’t you join me?
Baltimore Blogger Meetup
Friends, don’t forget that the Baltimore Blogger Meetup is tomorrow at Abbey Burger Bistro in Federal Hill at 6 p.m. I have already decided what I’m getting. Have you?
I sit ALL day, too. and i hate it! I need something where I can move around, but this is my job, so I sit.
I do try to get up and go to coworkers’ offices during the day, I use the bathroom downstairs instead of the one on our floor, etc.
But it’s tough!
yes – i sit all day and yes, I would like to join you in your 15 min movement challenge.
I was going to email you about the blogger meetup – glad it is still on. I have an idea what I am getting too! How many of us are coming?
Luckily as a teacher I am constantly moving. I only get to sit down when they are taking tests or I am eating lunch like right now. Bliss!
I still all day at my job, but I try to take lots of little 2-3 minute breaks throughout the day to get up and move around. I drink a ton of water at work so Ifill up my water bottle multiple times a day. I walk to the water jug on the far end of the building, just so I can get some movement and be up a little longer. And of course lots of water = lots of potty breaks as well… and once in awhile if no one else is in the restroom I’ll take a few minutes to stretch a little. Weird, I know, but I don’t have a full-walled cubicle, so people look at me weird when I stretch at my desk!
Sorry, I know you didn’t ask for all the detail, I just thought I’d share.
and I totally meant I sit all day, not still…
Luckily, being a teacher, I’m up and down all the time, and the office (where I have to go a lot!) is up a flight of stairs and on the other side of the building!
Ah, I know what you mean about sitting!
OOOOHHH blogger meetup sounds soo cool!
A majority of the day at work i am sitting although I do walk at lunch time and on some breaks (when the weather is nice) I’m also lucky to have to go to the factory a few times a day, I would say I move more then most office working folk, but not as much as I’d love to.
Yes I sit ALL DAY LONG. But I walk to and from work in the morning and for lunch, and back at the end of the day which adds up to 40 minutes. Unfortunately since we’ve gotten our car I’ve become lazy and find I’m driving more than walking. I need to give up that luxury – less gas $$ and more movement = a good thing!
I definitely sit all day at my job. Sometimes I get up and go to the bathroom just because I need to move around. Of course, I end up looking like I have some kind of overactive bladder issue, but oh well.
I’ve actually been thinking about putting together a post about little stretches and self-massage things that I’ve learned that are really good for people who spend all day sitting at a desk. Desk work, especially if it involves using a computer a lot, is so terrible for your body. You are absolutely right that we were not meant to sit all day. Your 15 minute movement break sounds like a fabulous idea!
I’m excited for the blogger meet up. It will be awesome to put an actual voice to all the writing!
I sit all day at work! It sucks. I wish we had a shower or something so I could go for a quick run in between. Or that the whole office was really health conscious and we’d always have healthy lunch breaks with yoga instructors… a girl can dream, I guess! I’m up for the challenge. I do usually manage the 15 minutes as I usually go out for my lunch break. But I shall make a conscious effort to hit the 15 minute mark. Thanks for the motivation!
can’t wait for the meetup rose!!! so excited to meet you! how many of us baltimore bloggies will be therE?
Hey dailygoods – excited to meet you too! I think around 6-7?
I constantly sit thanks to all of my classes being online!!!!I can’t stand it. I am actually standing, propping my elbows on my desk as I type this. Sometimes I just stand and do work at my computer, especially when I can feel my butt just mooshing into the seat =) I’m with ya!
yay
awesome turnout!
That chickpea salad looks right up my alley.
I had a sitting job for 3 years (marketing coordinator), but now with culinary school I barely ever sit. Though I EAT a lot more.
SO JEALOUS of the Baltimore meetup! Have fun and eat something yummy for me.
I sit all day long. It gets really hard. I do try to take walks during my breaks but stopped when I hurt my foot a few weeks ago. I think I’m ready to re-start. I’ll join you on your challenge.
When I worked in an office I just had to get up and take walks, which meant a lot of pointless trips to Duane Reade and lots of money spent on gum, deodorant and drinks.
In one of the schools where I sub the kids sit on balls on some days! They love it.
I’m all for this challenge! I have an all-day sitting job and need to remind myself to get up and move around on occasion.
I love this challenge!! I’ll join ya!
And that salad looks so fresh and delicious! I loveee artichoke hearts & chickpeas!
i sit all day too! but i do manage to get up and try to run around the office a few times a day! still- some days are harder than others… therefore i’ll be joining you!
I’m at my desk all day, but I learned to get up and move (check faxes, get water, stretch, whatever). I had to when I had my car accident, because my back couldn’t deal with sitting for long periods of time. Now it’s just regular routine for me. Plus I have a pretty awesome chair now that distributes pressure & weight so effectively, that if I do end up glued to my desk more than I like, at least I’m not in pain.