Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 8/20/2007

Question
I work in an office. Many of my co-workers go outside every hour to take a 5-15 minute smoke break.

So I have been "taking a smoke break" myself. By getting up, at my desk, doing 10 squats, 10 leg stretches, left, then right leg; 20 total, 10 desk-top pushups, finishing with 10 jumping-jacks. Takes about 2-3 minutes total.

I feel wonderful. BUT! All of my co-workers tell me that I am wasting my time doing these 'mini-exercises.'

I work long hours, cannot go to a gym, cannot do these exercises in the lunch room, where we all have to go to eat.

Management questioned what I was doing; until I asked them why they allow others to go outside and smoke every hour...
So why can I 'stretch' at my desk once an hour?....

Those questions ended...

I am 50. 123 lbs. No known medical problems.

Do you think this is a waste of time?

Answer
All I can say is "fabulous".  To answer your question: Do you think this is a waste of time?  Absolutely not.  Of course I am biased when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.  Combined with all the other positive healthy choices you have made (if I can make this assumption about you), you are the poster child for "fitting exercise into anybody's busy workday".  Who knows: you may start a trend at your company and win an innovative workplace improvement idea award--you have my vote.  Good for you.  

Don't let anybody steal your thunder, especially when it comes to your health and well-being!!!!  Bad vices are hard to break, and many people with bad vices take solace in trying to knock people who have the determination and the strength to have "good vices", like exercising at their desk instead of smoking grossly overpriced dried tobacco sticks.  Take care!!!!   --Daphne