Exercise on your lunch break? I know, I know – your emails are flowing, you have SO many meetings to book, and you’re hot on the tail of today’s top story. But it’s time to swallow those excuses. Although it may seem a little tricky, we’re all about the midday sweat sesh.
Whether you work out of the office or from the comfort of your home or the neighbourhood coffee shop, there are plenty of benefits that come with working out on your lunch hour. It can reduce stress, improve your problem solving skills, and help to boost your motivation and creativity throughout the rest of your workday (that’s right, no more afternoon slumps!). Not to mention, it frees up your time pre and post-work, so you can focus on other important things in your life.
Working out midday can require some serious logistics, but with a little planning and the help of some healthy snacks, your lunch break workout is about to become your favourite part of the day! And luckily there are some hot spots around the city that make it easy for you to escape from your desk and get your sweat on. So put down your phone, take a break from the never-ending stream of emails, and try these 4 workouts for a lunchtime lift!
Power-hour yoga class
Yoga is amazing! It improves focus, reduces stress and strengthens pretty much every muscle in your body. Many yoga studios offer a power-hour yoga class around noon so that hard-working can fit it into their busy schedules. Taking a yoga class midday can do wonders for your mental state, keeping you relaxed, focused and ready to take on the afternoon.
Cardio barre class
Cardio barre classes are the perfect midday pick-me-up! Studios offer noontime classes that run just under an hour so you have time to slip one in for your lunch break. Whether you’re a life-long dancer or have never stepped foot into a dance studio, the classes offer challenging interval workouts that will have you sweating and sculpting all through your lunch hour.
Group spin class
Grab some of your friends and make a beeline for the nearest spin class! Sometimes it can be easier to motivate yourself to workout if you bring your friends along. Spin classes are fun, motivating and can totally amp up your energy level for the remainder of the day. Added bonus: the instructors make you work it hard, giving you the nicest legs you’ve ever had!
Walking meeting
I have to admit, sometimes getting away from work during the day just isn’t realistic. You’ve done all you can, but it’s crunch time, already 2 pm, and you still have a crucial meeting to take. In this case, it’s time to try a walking meeting. Head out into the sunlight and get those creative juices flowing, because even a swift walk around the neighbourhood can do wonders for your productivity. Plus, any break from your desk can keep you from going a little stir crazy!
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