Exercise on the Agenda

We've all endured them.  Some of us have perfected the art of avoiding them.  Many of us may feel that we live from one of these to the next.  Meetings!  Glorious, mind-numbing, endless meetings.  Raise your hand if you enjoy sitting through meetings.  That's what we thought.  No offense to those of you who are meeting planners.  We're guilty of planning a few ourselves and we know that meetings are sometimes necessary.  But still, couldn't we just have a memo instead?  We promise to read it!


But since meetings seem to be a part of life, we have come up with a way to make them not only more endurable, but actually productive and/or beneficial.  Try some of these exercises during your next especially long meeting.  Who knows, you may start looking forward to meetings! (OK, so we're dreamers).

As with any exercise program, we recommend that you first check with your physician, because some of these are particularly strenuous.  If you feel you cannot do them, stick with your doodling.

Trainer's Tip: If you're sitting next to the boss, you may want to refrain from some of the exercises.  You don't want it to be too obvious that you're no longer paying attention in this meeting.

The Pencil Twirl


A subtle move to enhance digit dexterity.  A number two pencil is the best weight to maximize the benefit.  The tops on ballpoint pens can throw your balance completely off.  Remember, as with all workouts, having the proper
equipment is essential!


The Toe Flex/Extension

For the model-like toned legs all of us strive to achieve.  This move helps tone and define the lower leg.  Sure it does.  A pedicure adds a definite polish to this exercise.




The Telephone Slide

For proper thumb dexterity in a technological world.  Be sure to give equal time to each thumb so that one does not become more muscular than the other.  While you're at it, you might as well check the time to see how much longer the meeting will last.




The Yawn/Stretch

It works your shoulders, your triceps, your biceps, your deltoids - it's just a good all-around upper body move.  The good news is it is often contagious, so soon the entire room will be participating in your exercise program.



The Chair Perch

The benefit of this balancing/core strengthening move is that people start to assume the meeting is almost over.  They will move to the edge of their seats as well, thereby speeding up the conclusion to this meeting.



The Pencil Drop

This is a biggie.  Proper form is essential!  Avoid hitting your head on the table tops, arms of chairs, or your neighbor sitting next to you.  If the pencil rolls away, it is best not to get on your hands and knees to retrieve it.  Just find another pencil.  The correct steps are: 1. Drop pencil (make it look like an accident.  Do not throw it at the speaker, even if the speaker is extremely long-winded and boring).

2. To work your obliques, lean to the side and retrieve the pencil.  A modification of this move would be to drop the pencil directly in front of you.  That would work your anterior core.

3. Once the pencil has been retrieved, hold it up with a big smile.  You have completed one set!


The Lunch Line Sprint

As the noon hour approaches, discreetly begin your pre-race preparations.  Close your notebook quietly.  Pick up your lunch bag.  Get to the edge of your seat.  Look for the most direct route to the lunch line.  And...GO!  Don't worry about the old lady getting her crutches!  And who cares if the guest speaker is supposed to go first?  You're hungry!