Learn While Exercising And Exercise While Working!
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It's no surprise that you learn better when you are rested and alert, but research shows that people who are at least moderately fit also learn more easily. Some people even learn better when they are in motion. Fitness and business training experts are busy cooking up ways for you to exercise at work - some even at your desk or work station. You might be surprised to find how many easy and quick exercises you can work into your day.
One of the more unusual training gurus, Jeffrey Spencer studied for college exams by taping his notes to the handlebars on his bike and studying while he rode to school. Cool, huh? However, this might not be advisable in heavy traffic.
It turns out that the best description for Spencer would be a “kinetic†learner. That means “I learn and mentally perform best when I am moving," Spencer says. However, he’s not just like most of us - he competed as a bicyclist on the U.S. Olympic Team in 1972. He was later a pro biker, and published a book this year called “Turn It Up! How to Perform at Your Highest Level for a Lifetime.†The final chapter offers “Twelve Steps to Perpetual Success.†He says he wrote the book while training on a stationery bike.
Scientists find that the three primary learning styles - reading, hearing, or plunging in to explore something - also yield better results to the more fit.
So what are some ideas for at-work training and exercises?
One, get up and move around at least a little every 30 to 45 minutes. If you can’t do that because you have a job like front-desk reception, you can stretch your arms and legs right in your seat to do a little mini-training. Ask for a wireless headphone that lets you walk a bit.
Debbie Mandel, a stress management expert who wrote a book titled “Addicted to Stress,†suggests quick exercises such as calf raises, chair squats, and wall-pushups. She also advocates eating half your normal lunch and then taking a brief walk during your lunch break. Since substantial research shows that more small meals throughout the day are often better than the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner for both health and weight, you can add some healthful snacks to your breaks.
The web site vital juice daily provides lots of ideas to pull training exercise into your work day with simple, convenient “chairobics.†You may want to let your boss and co-workers know you’re starting a training routine. Chances are it will catch on and be good for your performance review as well as your health.
The site shares some free exercises and tips from personal trainer Jim Ryno of Ramsey, New Jersey, who offers online programs like “Listen and Lose†podcasts on his website. You can start with steps as simple as maintaining good posture, and do exercises such as raising your legs to tone calf muscles, working your shoulders a bit to strengthen your back and toning up those abs.
The site Linux Insider dove into fitness training at work and provides info on many more at-work training exercise plans and programs in “Fitness Tips for Chair-Bound Computer Users.â€