January 11th, 2023

5 Benefits To Using Your Lunch Break To Work Out

5 Benefits To Using Your Lunch Break To Work Out

Whether you’re working from home or are back at the office, getting some physical activity in during your lunch break is a great way to incorporate exercise into your busy lifestyle. Plus, there are a number of benefits to using your lunch break to work out.

It’ll Help You Put Time Back In Your Day. If you usually exercise in the morning before work or at night after it, working out during the work day will allow you to use your previously scheduled morning or evening workout time to do whatever you want with it. So, if you’re short on sleep, you can sleep in a little longer in the morning. Or, if you haven’t been able to spend as much quality time with your family and friends of late due to your busy work schedule, you now have some more time in your day to catch up with your loved ones.

You’ll Be Able To Use Whatever Gym Equipment You Want. Since most people tend to work out in the morning or right after work, there will be less of a crowd if you hit the gym near your office (or apartment) in the afternoon for a lunchtime workout. This will allow you to make the most of your workout session since you’ll be able to use any machines and weights that you’d like.

It’ll Help Relieve Stress. A survey found that 80% of workers feel stress on the job. One way that you can reduce stress is to do aerobic exercise during your lunchtime workouts. Scientists have found that “regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.” Not sure what exercises to do at the gym (or at home) during your lunch break workout? Give these stress relief exercises a try.

It May Help Improve Your Relationships With Co-Workers (Or Friends Who Live Nearby). Lots of people are different versions of themselves in the office versus outside of work. By working out with a co-worker (or a few co-workers) during your lunch break, you’ll be able to get to know each other on a different level. And if you work from home, you can invite a workout friend who lives nearby over to your place for a quick workout during your lunch break. This way you’ll be able to catch up about whatever is going on in your lives (or at work) and exercise. Plus, if you exercise with a friend or a co-worker, you’ll be able to hold each other accountable.

Your Workouts Will Be Extremely Efficient. Knowing that you need to get back to your desk (or in front of your computer) after your lunch break will help you make the most of the time that you have for your exercise session. Since there’s no time for fooling around at the gym (or at home), you’ll be laser focused during your lunchtime workout in order to accomplish everything that you need to in the time that you have.