Working World

New Year’s resolutions to hit the gym more often are now behind us, and our bums are also behind us—growing bigger every day! There’s nothing that contributes to the dreaded “desk spread” more than sitting in front of the computer for eight-plus hours per day. This is no longer just a problem for women, either. The average American’s butt size is growing larger; men’s, women’s and even our children’s bums are all getting wider due to inactivity and poor dietary habits.

Here are some butt-busting tips to try NOW (before it’s too late):

Get Moving
If you’re stuck at a desk job all day, it’s imperative that you take breaks to get your circulation going and your muscles stimulated. You need to remind your muscles that they’re there. Every half hour, find an excuse to get up off your seat and stroll around your department. It doesn’t need to take long. Just get the blood flowing into your glutes.

Crunchy Munchies
Eliminate candy and chips, replace them with raw veggies like carrots and celery sticks or apple slices and a wedge of cheese. You’ll feel satisfied as these foods fill you up but not out.

Stretch Limo
Your body is your vehicle. Don’t hunch over and spread! Be sure to stand up and fully stretch your arms up and out—literally reach for the sky (and in your career goals).

Water You Thinkin’
It’s been proven that despite the diuretic effects of caffeine, drinking too much of it makes one retain weight. There’s even some evidence that caffeine may contribute to the formation of ugly cellulite. Try to cut down—if not cut out completely— your coffee intake. Replace it with water, which keeps your muscles hydrated but also purifies your body of toxins. Plus the extra trips to the restroom will get you up out of your seat!

Stairway to Heaven
Take the stairs whenever possible. It’s your office’s built-in stair climbing machine and it works your entire leg, especially your butt. Don’t just go downstairs, go up those flights, too. Remember, high heels are not conducive to moving around the office much. You may want to reconsider your footwear if you’re working on your butt while working!

Katy Allgeyer is an artist and freelance writer. She is a regular columnist for Working World and Working Nurse magazines.