Looking Hot In The Office

Working in front of the computer all day can really put on the pounds. You probably over hear many of your co-workers complaining that they do not get enough exercise or that they don’t feel good in their skin. Maybe you have been over heard saying something similar to this.

Since I work as a physical therapist in a worker’s comp outpatient clinic, I get to hear a lot of these types of comments and complaints. Many of my female patients lament that they have put on a few pounds over the last little while and clothes don’t seem to fit like they did only last week. And then there are the men who mention that they would like to lose a little around the mid section to get back some of that nostalgia that’s in the air as we talk about our past glory days as the stud athlete of the sport of your choice.

We generally have a good conversation and get on with working on their carpal tunnel exercises or whatnot. But, more often than not, I try to bring the conversation back around to getting fit. The reason for this is that research has found that regular exercise will not only treat carpal tunnel and other repetitive strain injuries, it also may go a long way to preventing them.

Unfortunately, most people who work at a computer desk and begin to notice aches and pains usually think that a targeted workout program is what’s needed in their case. But, in my opinion, while a targeted exercise program is better than nothing, it’s not really sufficient to fully address the aches and pains that many are experiencing. Most people don’t realize that because they sit for the majority of the day the rest of their body tissues are probably beginning to shorten. This is the silent set-up for future musculo-skeletal aches and pains.

One sure fire way of preventing any potential for repetitive strain injury, like carpal tunnel or shoulder impingement is to start exercising the whole body. Yep, I am telling you that you need to do more than just the little stretches that someone told you was necessary to do while at your desk.

Starting an exercise program is easier than you think. It’s not about competing for Mr. Universe. And, it’s not about looking like the latest little hollywood starlet. At least not yet. But, if you do start an exercise program and stick to it, there’s no reason why you can’t be the pin-up girl or guy (and I do mean that in the most flattering of terms) of the office.

Now, the exercise program that I am talking about is not the typical one that comes to mind. I am not talking about going to the gym and spending hours there after work. You already have a job don’t you? However, what I am talking about will take determination and a clear goal. You have to know where you are going before you set out. And, you’ll have to remember that when you get started on your journey you have to start out slowly and progress with intensity as you become more familiar as to how your body will respond.

In summary, the aches and pains of repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome are frequently alleviated by performing exercises. While any exercise or activity is good, for office workers, getting involved with a total body workout has the potential to prevent any repetitive strain injuries in the future. A good exercise program will include a gentle progression of intensity. A good exercise program will be focused on how to make your body lean rather than muscle bound. C’mon, more people want to look at or look like Daniel Craig (James Bond) without a shirt and not like some professional wrestler, don’t you-er, I mean “they”?

If you are interested in how to look hot in the office, there are some excellent resources online that can walk you through how to get started. But I have to stress the fact that learning how to have a lean body is a marathon and not a sprint. Take your time and do your research and you will make the most progress.