5 Ways to Keep Fit at Your Desk

Sitting at a desk all day can kill you. Well, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but it’s really not good for you. And maybe you don’t have enough time or motivation to drag yourself to the gym or go for a run. While nothing can replace a good gym workout or nice run outside, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t be Ron Burgundy. I’m Ron Burgundy? Don’t waste your time sitting in the corner of your office, doing bicep curls between emails. Instead, try these five workouts that are better for you and might actually whip your body into shape.

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1. Pushups and squats

The two most basic, most important, and easiest at-your-desk workouts. Alternate between the two exercises, doing as many as you can. Try for a couple sets of each, but you’ll figure out what’s best for you after a few tries.

The pushup:

The squat:

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2. Split squat jumps

This is the natural progression from the squat. Do not try these if you have any fragile objects sitting near a ledge or if you work above other human beings. Otherwise, go for it.

Also: the sleeveless shirt is optional.

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3. Divebombers

Don’t be scared by Sergeant Ken and his sweatpants-with-the-elastic. This is just a harder, more grueling version of the pushup. If you want to torture yourself, alternate sets of these with split squat jumps.

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4. Burpees

Yes, it sounds like a Pokemon. Burpees work your whole body, combining squats, jumps, and pushups into one fluid motion.

Enjoy.

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5. Manmakers

If burpees aren’t enough for you, try the unfortunately named manmaker. Make sure you’re using dumbbells with edges. If you use round ones, it will end horribly.

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Read more Men at Work:

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Blixa Scott: Why I Love My Blue-Collar Guy

Tim Donnelly: In Defense of Dating Your Coworker

Ted Cox: 11 Rules for Working Out of a Coffee Shop

Brian Stuart: Working for the Woman

Hugo Schwyzer: The Myth of Male Inflexibility

Mark Oppenheimer: Life Lessons From My Alcoholic Boss

John Olympic: What It’s Like to Work in Walmart Hell

Tom Matlack: The Illusion of Success

Morra Aarons-Mele: How to Work From Home

Ryan O’Hanlon: Meet America’s Oldest Minor Leaguer

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—Photo lindsay.dee.bunny/Flickr