- The average time-to-close in November 2016 rose to 40.5 days, about four days longer than the same period last year.
- “Deskercise” equipment and the instability technique may help brokers and agents get their gym time.
- Strength training equipment may help mortgage and real estate professionals who spend much of their time on the go.
Too busy closing on a loan to get to the gym?
The twelve-month average time-to-close in November 2016 rose to 40.5 days, according to an analysis by the National Association of Realtors — about four days longer than the same period last year.
When life hands you extra days of work, the first thing you probably cut from your routine is exercise.
The problem is, when we skip physical activity so we can get more work done, it tends to backfire.
Among the many known benefits of a workout are reduced stress, a better night’s sleep and more energy in general. So when we cut out exercise, we’re actually reducing our odds of success.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health for work — and with the help of innovative fitness tools, you may not have to. They may not completely replace that set of dumbbells at the gym, but they will go far to keeping you at least semi-active and energetic throughout the dog days of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure).
Another thing to think about is that the holidays are coming — and with them, the extra weight. The cost-effective equipment below may help keep the holiday pounds off.
‘Deskercise’
“Deskercise” equipment is designed to empower would-be exercisers to get it done right at their desks. There are loads of cycling and stepping devices to suit just about any budget, along with the more expensive treadmill desk options.
If your office requires equipment that’s more discreet than a treadmill desk or an under-the-desk elliptical, or if you find pedaling while working a distraction, you can still find a solution.
The Hovr lets you move your feet and legs freely under your desk. The makers say it helps to increase brain activity while unconsciously burning calories.
Sitting on an exercise ball can improve posture, and engages the core as its design forces you to balance in incremental ways.
An instability cushion creates many of the same effects as an exercise ball, but in a smaller package. The cushion sits on your desk chair, making it somewhat unstable and forcing you to engage your core.
If your office allows standing desks, or you just prefer to stand, there are plenty of tools to challenge your balance here as well.
The Level looks like like a skateboard without wheels. It rocks back and forth, keeping you moving without having to think about it.
The Foot Rocker offers front-to-back instability to keep your body engaged while using a standing desk, and the Uplift Balance board shifts under your feet, forcing your muscles to react.
Strength training
If you find yourself in your car more than at your desk, there are plenty of fitness gadgets to build your strength while waiting for that homebuyer to show up. Many of these also work for desk workers.
These egg-shaped strength trainers relieve stress and restore strength in the fingers, hands and wrists. They come in three different resistance levels, so you can work your way up.
Resistance bands can be a working solution for strength training when you don’t have the space or time to mess with dumbbells. You can stash a set in your car and do a quick five-minute set whenever you have a break in your schedule.
Valeo adjustable ankle/wrist weights
Energize your day with some quick leg lifts and/or fist pumps.
This gadget was all the rage in the ’90’s, but it still works. You wind it up and then try to stop the motion. It targets the muscles in your forearms.
This little guy targets your finger muscles! It can also strengthen your wrists and forearms.
Stay active
It’s important to keep moving, especially when you’re busy and under stress. Struggling to meet a closing date doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health. If anything, it should mean the opposite.
Emily Hoffman is the blogging and social media manager for ATS Secured. Follow her on Twitter or connect with her LinkedIn.
