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Computer Programs to Do Desk Exercises at Work Stations

Many of us spend our day with our computer. It is our communication tool to the world. But all the sitting is dangerous to our health. We get repetitive strain injuries such as carpel tunnel. We are growing out-of-shape and overweight. Can the computer we spend the day with also become our exercise partner? It can with software programs designed to help you get the exercise you need to live a healthier life--without leaving your cubicle.

  1. Take a Break from All Your Troubles

    • A whole range of conditions called repetitive strain injury, or RSI, can affect your health. RSI can be caused by the repetitive activities such as using the keyboard and mouse, according to SafeComputingTips.com. To prevent RSI, take a five- or 10-minute break from your computer every 20 minutes. You should also stretch and get cardiovascular exercise. RSI is extremely painful and can be debilitating.

    How Much Exercise Do You Need?

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least two days. It may seem like you will never have time to achieve those guidelines, but the CDC says you can do your moderate aerobic activity in short 10-minute spurts. If you do your activity five days a week for 10 minutes at a time, you have achieved your moderate-intense activity.

    You Never Have to Leave Your Desk

    • If you need to break for 10 minutes to prevent RSI and you need 10 minutes three times a day to get healthier, but leaving your cubicle each time is not an option, look into a number of software programs you and your office can try. They all have several features in common, including a library of workouts and stretches with short training-times. Each of these software packages includes pop-up reminders to let you know when it's time to take a break. Most can keep track of what exercises you've done. Some of the programs are available for individual workstations; some can be used company-wide. A few of the desk exercise software packages include social networking sites so you can discuss your training with the makers of the software, as well as other colleagues. These packages vary in price from as little as $3 per month up to $35 per month, depending on range of options in the package.

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