Work out at your desk

Burn calories at your desk

Lacking the time to exercise? Work out at your desk with these five calorie-burning tips from Tom Haynes, personal trainer and expert fitness consultant at York Fitness.

1. Tone up by tearing your waste paper Instead of using the electric shredder, tear up paper by hand. This will engage your chest and bicep and triceps muscles, thus burning a few extra calories in no time.
2. Use the printer that's furthest away Every step matters when it comes to toning up and getting fit, so when you need to print something send your work to the printer that is furthest away from your desk. The extra steps soon add up meaning you burn more calories. Plus, the extra walk gives you a welcome screen break, cutting eye stress and strain.
3. Walk and talk instead of calling to burn extra calories If you need to speak to a colleague, instead of calling or emailing them, why not walk over and speak to them? A short walk can help to loosen up muscles that might be tight and sore from sitting in the same position for a long time too.
4. Reduce stress levels by taking the stairs The stairs are a perfect way to control stress at work, as well as helping you burn calories and tone up. So instead of taking the lift, use the stairs at the beginning and end of the day, at lunch time, and even for small exercise breaks during the day. A brisk walk up and down the stairs will help tone your thighs and bum and  keep you feeling fresh.
5. Elbows off the table Avoid slouching and leaning on your desk to tone up your abs: sitting up straight at your desk will keep them firm.  To make this fitness exercise fun you could even challenge a colleague to see whose good posture will last the longest. The first one to crack has to make the next round of tea.