Small Steps to Health

The Health Benefits of a Casual Work Environment

February 29th, 2008 by asithi · No Comments

Tagged Fitness, Health and Work

According to a study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), casual dressing leads to a two pounds weight loss a year. On average the participants of the study walked 8% more on days when they wore casual attire to work. Comfort clothing inspires more physical activity throughout the day.

Two pounds do not sound impressive if you are trying to loose 20 pounds or more, but every little bit counts. The average person gains 1-2 pounds each year as they age. 2 pounds is enough to combat that slow, virtually unnoticeable, weight gain we all put on during our working career, sitting in front of a computer (unless you are checking in on your weight regularly).

My first job out of college, I worked in a business casual environment. I did not have to wear suits, but I was still in slack, blouses, and heels. I gained 16 pounds during the time I was there. I did not even notice the first 10 pounds. I kept telling myself that my pants are too tight because I was bloated. And I fooled myself into thinking that I am “putting on my adult weight” even though that was my excuse for my freshman 10.

The easiest way to increase your comfort is to wear practical shoes. Instead of 3 inch heels, try wearing 1 inch or even the flats. When your feet do not ache after 15 minutes on heels, you are more likely to keep moving. Since switching jobs to the Operation & Maintenance department of another company, I wear tennis shoes and polo shirts every day. I have loss some weight, but I am not sure how much is actually due to the casual work environment. What I do know is that I am motivated to move around more than my last office. If anything else, just being able to halt that small steady increase in my weight gain is one less battle for me to fight.

Until next time and thanks for stopping by.

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