Work Out with Quick and Easy Standing Desk Exercises!

1. While standing at your desk, raise your heels a few inches off the ground. Hold this position, and then slowly lower your heels back down.
TIP: You may need to hold on to your desktop for balance and support.  

2. If you don’t mind getting a silly look or two from your coworkers, a minute of jumping jacks is a great way to get the blood pumping. One minute of jumping jacks burns 10 calories, so if you add jumping jacks to your daily routine, those calories can add up!
TIP: For variety, mix jumping jacks with running in place.

3. Want to give your upper body some attention? Grab two water bottles, a pair of hand weights, or two books, then lift your arms straight out to your sides (so your arms are parallel to the ground). Hold for 15 seconds, lower your arms, then repeat.
TIP: If you only have one bottle/hand weight/book, do one arm at a time and hold onto your desk with the other hand for stability.

4. Balance poses in yoga not only improve your balance but also work core muscles that are difficult to target with traditional strength exercises. The tree pose is a good example. To try it, stand on one leg and place the other leg on your ankle, calf, or thigh. Hold onto your desk for stability. For an extra challenge place your hands together in front of your chest (in a prayer pose) or raise your arms over your head. Hold for a minute, then switch legs.
TIP: Place your foot either above or below your knee. Never place it on your knee.