“Greg” just couldn’t keep still. In a meetings, he’d fidget in his chair or jiggle his legs. If a conversation took place in the break-room or hallway, he’d do a little two-step while he talked. On phone calls, he’d pace back and forth like a tiger on a leash. Greg's restlessness may have been a symptom of a medical condition or he may have just been one of those people who moves their bodies a lot. It bothered some people that he couldn’t keep still but, whether Greg was conscious of it or not, he was healthier for all of his extra movement.
A recent study indicated that people who naturally fidget are burning more calories than those of us who naturally keep still. If one of our goals is improved health, we may want to take a page from Greg's book and keep our muscles moving and our blood flowing throughout the day. Watch athletes when they are “at rest”. They are often moving just like Greg.
When people say they cannot exercise everyday, the most common excuse is lack of time. One tip is to stop trying to find the time and instead make the time. Exercise does not have to involve health clubs, membership dues, spandex and a plethora of exercise machines and equipment. Exercise is simply increasing the movement of your body. How much of an increase and what type of movement is up to you.
Like Greg demonstrated, there are many “exercises” you can do at work. Try standing up when you’re on the telephone. Walk to somebody’s office to talk to them rather than sending an email or calling them on the phone. Make your own copies and run your own errands. When you feel tired or stressed take a break and take a short walk around the block or around the building. All types of fidgeting--moving your feet, legs and even your fingers, while you sit or stand, is exercise.
