Three Reasons To Exercise At Lunchtime

An Exercise Break Can Boost Your Productivity As Well As Your Health.

With many people now working at home at least a few days a week, clients are commenting that they are working longer and moving less throughout the day. But there are some great reasons to take advantage of the flexibility that working remotely brings, including getting out for some exercise at lunchtime.Surprisingly, research shows that taking time for an exercise break will increases your daily productivity. The mental refresh you get means that you’re much more productive during your work time.

As well as being really convenient for some people, there are plenty of benefits to bumping up your heart rate with exercise at lunchtime. Here are 3 of them;

1. FEEL GREAT FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY

We know exercise increases concentration and alertness by triggering the brain to produce serotonin and cortisol. Lunchtime exercise makes you feel reinvigorated, mentally sharper and physically stronger for the second half of your day.

2. MAXIMISE YOUR TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Combining exercise with your lunch break can let you enjoy more time with friends and family out of work hours. Also, you are more likely to stick to regular exercise if it fits in well with your daily routine, instead of taking away from your downtime.

3. IMPROVE YOUR ALL-ROUND HEALTH

Many desk workers sit for over 10 hours a day when you include work time, watching TV or socialising in the evening. Research shows that extended sitting time increases your risk of depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Finding a time to exercise regularly is among the most effective ways to avoid these diseases.

How To Make Lunchtime Workouts Successful

The best way to make lunchtime exercise efficient & work for you is to plan & be organised. A few tips are;

1. Walk, jog or cycle to the gym: use travel time as a warm-up

2. Have a light lunch: you need something you can eat on the run after your session. Make your own or grab something from the awesome cafes around Surry Hills on your way back.

3. Use shower facilities: a quick shower after exercise means you return to work feeling refreshed and ready to go

4. Don’t schedule midday meetings: Exercise is very beneficial & productive, so block out your diary just like you would for an important meeting

How To Choose Your Lunchtime Session

Exercise really only works if you keep it up regularly. Here are 3 tips to help you establish a sustainable routine;

1. Find something you enjoy: doing exercise only because you have to doesn’t tend to last long. Doing something that you want to is much easier to turn into an ongoing routine

2. It’s got to be convenient: efficiency is important at lunch time, so your sessions have to be easy to get to and fairly quick (e.g. 30-45 minutes),

3. It must be affordable: to be sustainable it must fit within your budget