Lack of exercise increases the risk of illness

People who have an office job in particular usually lack exercise. Instead of the more than 8,000 steps a day that are necessary to keep the body healthy, they often only manage around 1,000 to 2,000. "The lack of exercise then increases the risks of back problems, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, for example," explains Heike Drechsler.

Simple exercises for everyday life

Fortunately, you don't need to be a top athlete to prevent these common ailments. Just a few small active breaks in everyday life can help. The former professional athlete knows how you can train easily and incidentally without having to think about it or get up:

Exercise 1:"Take running up the stairs, for example: Here you can take two steps at once while walking up and train your thighs. Or hold on to the banister and walk down the steps sideways, alternating between crossing in front and behind."

Exercise 2: "This exercise is good for the office: Stand hip-width apart with your back straight and draw a big eight in the air next to you with your foot, keeping your leg and foot extended."

In her new book "Get fit - with Heike Drechsler", she gives even more great fitness tips, strength and stretching exercises that can be done easily and almost casually on the way to work, in the office or at home.

Win 3 starting places for the BARMER Women's Run

By the way, you can start your sporty summer as early as June. That's when the popular BARMER Women's Run enters a new round and more than 30,000 participants will take part in a total of seven cities. Good humor, flashy disguises and, above all, lots of fun are the focus here. Take part in our prize draw and win 1 x 3 starting places for your city. To take part, click here >>>