I hate being at the office 9 hours straight. I hate being anywhere 9 hours straight (besides my bed). So barring major weather hazards I typically find some way to get out of the office on my lunch break.
Lately I’ve been going to the gym on my lunch break and it’s amazing. I recommend it to anyone who has the time and ability to workout during their lunch break. Working out on lunch doesn’t have to mean an intense H.I.L.T workout (but it can, if you want). My gym is about 7 minutes away from my office so I can typically get in a 30 minutes session and a quick shower before having to return to work. If your gym isn’t close to the office or your lunch break is too short consider an alternative like bringing a pair of sneakers and walking around the block for 20 minutes or walking up and down the stairs.
Here are 5 reasons you should consider working it out during lunch:
It gets you off your ass!
I sit most of the day (which we all know has been dubbed the new smoking), so it’s nice to get up and get my blood moving. Working out in the midst of all that sitting is a great way to improve circulation and lessen the effects of sitting for hours straight.
You can save calories and cash
One of the most important elements of making sure I go to the gym during my lunch is making sure I have something to eat afterwards. It’s pretty common knowledge that meals made at home tend to be healthier and less expensive than going to a fast food restaurant. Because I have such a small time frame to return back to the office the temptation of disregarding the baked chicken and veggies I’ve packed for lunch and going to grab a burger instead is no longer an option. I have to eat what I have at the office or don’t eat at all.
You miss the 3 o’clock crash
I typically get back from the gym at 2, so my post workout high leaves me energized until 5:00 p.m. By working out I break up the monotony of the day and energize my body and mind. For me gym time is therapy time. I get the chance to let out any frustrations the day brings and come back mentally refreshed. Letting go of those mental frustrations allows you to perform a brain rest and work more effectively.
You have more free time
I love having my evenings to do with as I please. I can write, catch up on my favorite shows, meet up with friends, the world is my oyster (as long as I’m in bed by 11:30) .
Also if I have plans right after work I don’t have to worry about dragging myself out of bed early because I know I can still workout at lunch. (This only applies if you have the luxury of eating while you work.)
You workout harder
Knowing that I only have a short window of time I try my best to make it count. Going in for a 30 minute session forces me to have a game plan before I get there so I’m not wandering around aimlessly.
What is your favorite time of day to work out? Let me know below.
Do it for love,
Dia
Edited by M.L. Scarbrough
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Ellen
Hey,
Interesting post…I try and get out for a wee walk at lunch though I don’t usually take my full hour so I don’t have time for a full workout. Instead I try and fit in a quick work out in the morning before work. That usually energizes me for the day ahead. I do see people running at lunch and I did use to do that but I am always conscious that my face stays red for the afternoon haha 😀
Ellen
Dia
I admire you! I have the hardest time waking up just to get to work. I’m the anti-morning person lol
Missy - Getting Fit to Find Myself
I love when I work from home because I do get to work out at lunch! I agree with all of your reasons! The two best being having more free time and avoiding the afternoon crash!
Dia
Thanks for stopping by Missy! It is so much better for me not to have to wake up before work or drag myself to the gym after a long work day. Lunch keeps me in check!
Pary Moppins
I really like first thing in the morning. It gets my blood pumping and makes me more alert for the rest of the day. Good post.
Jill @ RunEatSnap
I LOVE working out during the workday/lunch. I agree I don’t like being at the office for 9 hours straight especially now that I’m at a mostly desk job. Working out breaks up the day, gets me energized, helps me think about things more clearly, and I love having more free time at night and knowing I’ve already got my workout done.
Willow
Some of my previous coworkers would walk during lunch. We only got 35 minutes for lunch, and I needed that time to eat, but I can see all the benefits. Now that I don’t work, I get to work out whenever I want.
Dia
Yeah I can see it being hard with only 35 minutes. Even then if you could I’d suggest going on a short walk like ten minutes around the building and then taking the rest of the time to eat. Awesome you have that freedom now 🙂
Dia
Exactly! I have coworkers that stay indoors all day and I just don’t get it! Thanks for stopping by Jill!
Dia
Thats awesome you can workout out in the morning, I know a lot of people prefer it but I have never been one of them lol But if it works for you keep rocking 🙂
Tammy Greene
Since I work from home, I do my workouts in the morning. If I don’t do it then, distractions become and excuse not to get there. I love starting my day knowing that I have taken care of myself first.
Great tips here. I definitely do hit a 3:00 crash most days.
Dia
I think it’s interesting how different people do better working out at certains of the night. I love to break up my day so that works really well for me. Thanks for stopping by Tammy 🙂
Becki S
Great great great idea! I love fitting a work out into the day, it totally makes me feel super accomplished! Also hadn’t thought about that working out mid-day would save money 😉 a win win!
Dia
Yes! It saves me money on lunch makes me stick to a healthy lunch
Cori
My office offers Yoga during lunch once a week. I wish it was more often though. I loved getting a break from my day when I could attend.
Dia
That’s really cool that they do that. My office gets breakfast tacos once a month lol clearly not on the healthy plan lol Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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