During my 15 year stint in the confines of cubicle hell, otherwise known as Corporate America, the lunch hour was always my time to escape from the office and do some training.  Depending on how densely packed my meetings were scheduled for the day, and if the boss was around or not, usually dictated how long I could escape for.

When only a brief few minutes was available, I’d get outside and go for a quick walk.  Moving and deep breathing outside in the fresh air do wonders to clear your head and fortify your energy reserves for the second half of the day.

When the day allowed, I’d plan my 60 minutes of lunchtime like this:

• 15 minute drive home
• 15 minute super intense workout (usually a HIIT training session)
• 10 minute shower/change
• 5 minutes to make protein shake for lunch
• 15 minute drive back to work

Doing this even just 2 times a week, combined with my brief walks on the other days was a great way to fit extra training into an otherwise super busy day.

Obviously not everyone lives in close enough proximity to the office to be able to drive home at lunchtime, but there are many other viable alternatives.

Bring a change of clothes and go for a run.

Head to a nearby park and do a bodyweight workout.

Keep a heavy dumbbell or kettlebell in the trunk of your car and use it whenever opportunity presents itself.

Or, you could be like the ladies in my 12 noon Fit Bodies Bootcamp for Women who all work together at a nearby business and make super-productive use of their lunch hour by coming to the gym 3 times a week.  Not only do they get an awesome fat-burning, strength building, body toning, workout but have the companionship of like-minded, motivated friends who support and push each other to achieve greater results.

These ladies rock an awesome workout and then head back to the office with the satisfaction of knowing they kicked a$$ for the day.  Now they can attack the 2nd half of the work day with renewed vigor and determination.  Bravo!

So how about you?

What do YOU do on your lunch hour?