The Office Potato Workout: Early Beginnings...
The Office Potato Workout' is a vigorous exercise routine that combines the key components of fitness (cardio, endurance, strength, flexibility) into a complete, exercise program, 90% of which is performed in a chair! If you don't like the gym and are ready to begin living a safer, more vibrant life, 'The Office Potato Workout' is the easiest way to get started!
Originally this workout was targeted to office workers, students or anyone who sits at a desk all day. Thus, the title 'Office Potato Workout'. As a matter of fact, the inspiration for the workout came during an inactive period in my life: when, sitting by the couch, I picked up a pair of weights. Together with a reluctant friend, I performed a few hand weight exercises. After about 3 minutes, my friend exclaimed: "You know, I really did not want to do that! But now that I did, I feel better!" The light bulb turned on in my head and I realized that someone could sit anywhere and perform a mini workout and be energized, focus better, and relive muscle stiffness. After this revelation, I began the process to bring to everyone this liberating experience. Hence, The Office Potato Workout was born. Once you have a working knowledge of the different segments of the workout, you can take a sampling of each segment and string them together for a 5 to 10 minute, mini workout. Staggering 2 or 3 of these mini workouts throughout the day, will allow you to reap the aforementioned benefits.
The Office Potato Workout: Benefits
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
There are three progressive levels of benefit for regular exercise. Firstly, YOU FEEL BETTER – By relieving stress, sleeping better and reducing muscle stiffness and soreness due to inactivity. Secondly, YOU WILL BE BETTER – By boosting your immune system, you can prevent or manage disease, and become physically stronger. This allows you to enjoy social activities and stay independent, improving your confidence and self-image. And thirdly, YOU WILL PERFORM BETTER – By progressively challenging yourself, you can excel in group or individual sports, steadily improve on personal fitness goals, and/or have the energy to keep up with your kids.
Regular exercise, like adding The Office Potato Workout to your daily routine, can help:
Sleep Better and Reduce Stress, Anxiety
Naturally Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular (heart) Disease
Reduce Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Reduce Your Risk of some Cancers
Strengthen your Bones and Muscles
Improve your Memory, Mental Health and Mood
Improve your Ability To Do daily Activities and Prevent Falls, if you're an older adult
Control your Weight
Increase Self-Confidence
Increase Energy, Flexibility and overall Happiness
Increase your Chances of Living Longer
Gregg Pearson – Biography
Fitness Trainer and Creator of The Office Potato Workout
Like many youngsters I played neighborhood sports and participated in organized leagues in basketball and baseball. I played some football in junior high school and received a varsity letter in baseball in high school. However, once I started college my sports activities were drastically reduced, which had a detrimental effect on my level of fitness, as a short walk with a new puppy revealed.
This led me to seek a professional trainer for help. I started training with Pat Funderberg, creator of the aerobic workout Afro Rhythms. Pat was working as a fitness instructor at the YWCA in Columbus, Ohio. I began working with Pat at the Y where I began my formal fitness education and experience. This is an education that is never ending.
During my 14 years at the YWCA I trained participants in a variety of situations. I gained experience training downtown office workers, groups from adult daycare and drug rehab facilities, and the South High School track team. I obtained several personal training certifications during this period, as well as CPR training. It was shortly after this period I was inspired to begin developing 'The Office Potato Workout'.
In 2010, I became the fitness trainer for the Martin Janis 50+ Columbus City Recreation Center. There, I took the initiative to learn various techniques on the fitness ball and developed a series of exercises using resistance bands. About the same time, I began performing the 'Office Potato Workout' at the Center and once a week at the United Methodist Church for All People. I also contracted with Pat Funderberg, to perform the workout at two senior residence facilities. Since starting at the Martin Janis Center, I have fine- tuned the workout, paired it with appropriate music, and developed cardio and strength techniques that are unique to this workout. I have received personal training certifications from NETA and Moves Fitness, as well as training in CPR and First Aid from the American Heart Association. I also learned the Arthritis Foundation Workout and have a Group Fitness Certification from NETA. I am also certified to teach the Silver Sneakers Classic.