Monthly Archives: December 2014

Workout at Work

It seems like everyone is working longer hours these days and using the “I don’t have time to work out” excuse more than ever. If only there was a way you could work out at work… You can! There are several easy exercises you can do at your desk such as stretching, muscle-strengthening and even aerobics. No, you won’t become an Olympian, but any amount of exercise is beneficial to your health.

Here are ten easy exercises you can do at your desk:

1. Stairway to success:

Did you know Cary Grant stayed fit by taking the stairs? You can trade those cheeky elevator tunes for elevating your heart rate. As you walk up and down the stairs, accelerate your pace by taking two steps at a time for a real leg burn.

2. The Leg Raiser:

You can do this simple exercise while seated. Start by straightening both legs and hold this position for five seconds. Then lower your legs back down without touching letting your feet touch the floor. Repeat for 10 reps. If this isn’t enough, try placing your purse or brief case on top of your legs for added weight.

3.  New age curl:

Water bottle curls. You heard us, workout your biceps with a water bottle. This exercise can be done standing or sitting. Start by taking the stapler in one hand with palms facing upwards. Just like a normal dumbbell bicep curl, start at the thighs then bend the elbow and curl your arm up to your chest. Repeat for 12 reps, then alternate arms.

4.  The Seat Shimmy:

Love to twirl in your swivel chair? Use it to your advantage with this oblique abs fix. Sitting upright with your feet hovering over the floor, hold the edge of your desk. Next, use your core to swivel the chair from side to side. Swing back and forth for 20 rounds.

5.  The Polished Posture:

Momma was right, perfect posture is a must for back health. Adjust your chair height to insure that your feet, hips and arms are at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Don’t slouch. Engage your core to keep you sitting upright

6.  The Samurai:

Stand and clasp your hands together, resting them on the right shoulder as if holding a sword. Lightly swing the imaginary “sword” by straightening the elbows and moving the hands toward the left thigh. Next, bring the clasped hands to the left shoulder followed by a swing to right thigh. Repeat 10 times on each side, or until you feel like a real office ninja.

7.  The Jersey Shore:

Turns out the Jersey Shore cast taught us one good thing, fist pumping. Start by balling you hand into a fist. Then raise your fist in the air and begin to pump your arm over your head for 30 seconds. Repeat for 5 reps, then alternate arms.

8.  Twist and Shout:

Queue the music, sit up straight in your chair and place your right arm behind your right hip. Twist to the right and hold (shouting is optional). Then alternate sides.

9.  The Tapper:

No you don’t need any dancing skills for this exercise, all you have to do is speedily tap your toes on the floor under your desk.

10. The Web Slinger:

Is your spidey sense tingling or could it just be carpal tunnel? All you have to do for this exercise is tense and relax the muscles in your hands to form the iconic Spiderman bending your hand up and down. Another hand stretch technique is to make a fist, spread your fingers and bend your fingers.

Now stop reading this blog and get to exercising more than your brain!

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Chic Shoes Could Be Hurting You: AOC Explores How Different Shoes Relate To Leg Injuries

Ladies your shoes are cute, but are they really worth the achy feet? Our shoes reflect our personal style, but more often than not, they aren’t good for your feet, legs and back. While shoes may show off your unique style, they can be the root cause of common discomfort in your feet, legs and back. Here are three types of shoes that could be causing you pain.

1. High Heels:

Ladies we know you love your pumps and how they make you feel, but the reality is that high heels have been found to have lasting negative effects on your feet and legs. Your favorite stilettos can cause shin splints, hair-line fractures, and even a sprained ankle. There are safer alternatives such as wearing lower 3/4 chunky heel or wearing a commuter shoe (a pair of sneakers or tennis shoes).

2. Flip Flops:

Flip flops are the go to shoe for comfort seekers but the truth is wearing flip flops can tear and inflame the plantar fascia, which is an important tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. If you just have to wear flip flops, buy a pair that are fitted and provide ample arch support to contour to the shape of your foot.

3. Flat shoes:

We all want to embody the effortless style of Audrey Hepburn’s ballet flats, but like high heels, flats can have negative effects on your feet. Flats are like their description; they have no arch support and have less cushioning than normal shoes. Wearing flats often can lead to the ligaments and tendons in your feet to overstretch and collapse, which is the cause of your achy feet.

The next time you buy shoes, keep this in mind: always buy shoes that provide ample support. You don’t have to substitute style, you can take simple steps like buying insoles for your flats and heels to give you the support those shoes lack.