The E4T Exercise blog promotes the idea that just 5 minutes of exercise an hour can make a big difference to your health and maybe even happiness.

Tonight I’m going continue with my walking. I’ve walked 2.16 miles. And I’m aiming for 3. I’ll let you know how it goes at the end of the evening.

6:33 p.m. First Set starts now. Are you ready?

UPDATE 7:32 p.m. Second set, same as the first?

UPDATE 8:31 p.m. Third set — I’m reeling from shock at American Idol. How could it happen like that? And can I walk my upset off?

UPDATE 9:34 p.m. Fourth Set.D I’m going to make it to 3 miles! I’m virtually there now and I’m sure I can make it . . . (how’ve you done on your exercises?)

The E4T Exercise Blog pops up again to remind all (lurkers included) that now is as good a time as any to get up and move around a little.

Don’t put it off or feel guilty: A 10 – 20 minute walking break will refresh your mind and make you much more productive. You might even solve that problem that you’ve been working on as you do a lap or two around the building.

Are you interested in joining me?

Hmm . . . . What do you think of this idea?

From an online book review, Book tells workers to ditch chairs, by Laurie Smith Anderson

No running shoes, gym memberships or extra time required. No more excuses. Your fitness plan can be incorporated right into your busy workday, maintain Clapp and Robichaud, who both work as certified personal trainers.

All you need is an exercise stability ball.

For those of us who sit slouched at our desks in front of a computer all day, we’re well aware of how it affects our posture and contributes to neck pain, headaches and lower-back pain.

Using a stability ball as your office chair requires “active sitting,” which improves core strength and posture. That alone will improve posture significantly, and posture is the foundation for a good fitness program. However, out-of-shape individuals may have to work up to using the ball all day. Some adjustments may also be required for an ergonomically correct workstation.

(snip)

This reviewer tried using a stability ball in front of her home computer and found herself sitting taller and moving more. The exercises are easy enough, even for beginners, and they don’t require large commitments of time or money.

The book is “Working on the Ball: A Simple Guide to Office Fitness,” by Jane Clapp and Sarah Robichaud. Continue reading →