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When I first started working from home early in the pandemic, I was living the dream—or so I thought. My work from home must-haves consisted of pyjamas, endless cups of tea, and my trusty laptop perched on the kitchen table. But reality hit hard when I realised I was sitting for hours, barely moving.
My health wasn’t great (hello, lockdown snacks!), and I decided enough was enough. So, that’s when I used working from home to my advantage and ended up losing 80lbs. Yup, 80!
How? One of the ways was by finding little ways to stay active throughout the day. It was all about sneaky movement and small changes that added up over time. And if I can do it, trust me—you can too.
Here’s a list of my favourite tools to help you stay active while working from home. They’re simple, effective, and don’t require you to turn your home office into a gym.
Let’s get you moving, yeah?
Table of Contents
- Why Staying Active in a Home Office is Essential
- 1. Standing Desk
- 2. Under-Desk Treadmill
- 3. Desk Bike or Pedal Exerciser
- 4. Ergonomic Chair with Active Sitting Options
- 5. Resistance Bands
- Final Pep Talk: You’ve Got This!
Why Staying Active in a Home Office is Essential
Let’s face it, working from home has its perks (no commute and bottomless tea, anyone?), but it also has its downsides.
Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling like a stiff piece of furniture by 5 PM. Whether you’re rocking a cozy white office vibe or improvising with a call center work from home set up, staying active is non-negotiable.
Here’s why movement matters:
Boosts energy and focus: Even a quick stretch can do wonders for that 3 PM slump.
Supports long-term health: Staying stationary for too long increases your risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Improves posture and reduces pain: No more hunching over your monitor set up with aching shoulders.
So, let’s get you kitted out with some work from home must haves that keep you active without disrupting your workflow.
1. Standing Desk
Transform your workspace and avoid long hours of sitting with a height-adjustable standing desk.
Top Pick: FlexiSpot Adjustable Standing Desk – Easy to assemble, sturdy, and perfect for switching between sitting and standing.
2. Under-Desk Treadmill
Take light walks while answering emails or brainstorming ideas. It’s a game-changer for cardio at home!
Highly Rated: UREVO 2.5HP Under-Desk Treadmill – Affordable and perfect for small spaces.
3. Desk Bike or Pedal Exerciser
Boost circulation and energy while working, without leaving your desk.
For Beginners: Exerpeutic ExerWork 1000 Desk Exercise Bike – Combines a bike with a desk surface.
4. Ergonomic Chair with Active Sitting Options
Upgrade your office chair to one that keeps your core engaged and encourages good posture.
Best for Beginners: Gaiam Balance Ball Chair – Combines stability and movement for an active core workout.
5. Resistance Bands
Quick and effective for strength exercises and stretches at your desk.
Top Pick: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands Set – Compact and durable, ideal for all fitness levels.
Final Pep Talk: You’ve Got This!
No more excuses. You’ve got the tools, the tips, and the motivation to make your WTF workday way more active.
Sneaking movement into your day isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. So get up, stretch, and make your home office the envy of every sedentary slug out there.
You’ve got this!
