Welcome to the 5th Leitz Office Games e-newsletter Welcome to my May eNewsletter. All the exercises I've given you so far this year could be performed at or around your desk without causing you to receive puzzled looks from your colleagues, but this month I am suggesting something a little different so you may want to find a quiet meeting room, loose trousers or jogging bottoms and a spare 10 minutes each day. The kneeling arm and leg lift is a brilliant exercise which, when performed slowly and repeated often, will help give you a taut bottom, great coordination and balance. I had a really great time at The Times Creme exhibition this year and it was wonderful to meet so many of you, share stories and hear about your new at-work exercise routines. Keep up the good work! Most athletes like to train with a friend or coach, it helps to have company for support so encourage a work colleague to join in my programme and you can exercise together. Thank you again to Leitz for giving me the opportunity to share these exercises with you. They would like to tell you about some of their innovative quality products - you can even request a sample or more information. Good luck!   FREE SAMPLE OFFER Leitz has launched a new lever arch file, perfect for those of you with active lifestyles! The Leitz 180° Active Plus File comes in 2 sizes to hold either 600 or 400 sheets of paper, has an elastic closure and rounded spine - perfect for carrying your paperwork securely. Made from recycled 'polyfoam', the files are available in 3 bright colours and have an inside pocket to store loose papers or CDs. We have 100 Active Plus Files to give away so click on the link below to request yours (worth £6.99 RRP) and bring colour into your office.   The Leitz Active Plus lever arch file is available from all good stationery suppliers, if you would like more information on our current promotions please email marketinguk@esselte.com Safe positions Sitting Safe Position Standing Safe Position Sit on the edge of your chair with your legs square at 90° to your back. With your feet hip width apart keep your back straight but relaxed. Ensure your shoulders are level and square with the front of your body. Rest your arms by your sides. Stand upright with your feet hip width apart. Ensure your knees are soft – by that I mean slightly bent and not locked. Rest your arms by your sides and keep your back straight but relaxed. Keep your bottom tucked in and feel the weight of your body through your feet. Kneeling arm and leg lift     Directions Start on all fours, keeping your hands underneath your shoulders and your legs hip width apart. Keep your head and neck in alignment with your spine, think 'nose down'. Don't arch your back. Use your gluteus (bottom) muscles to lift one leg behind you to hip height if you can and when you have your balance, reach the opposite arm forwards to shoulder height. Reaching out as much as you can, hold the lift for 5 seconds and then release. Repeat with your other leg and arm. This is a brilliant exercise for a taut bottom, coordination and balance!   Please Note ALWAYS START EACH EXERCISE FROM A 'SAFE' POSITION THIS SHOULD NOT REPLACE YOUR NORMAL EXERCISE ROUTINE NEVER PERFORM EXERCISES IN HEELS THESE EXERCISES ARE JUDGED TO BE SAFE BUT NEITHER SHARRON NOR LEITZ ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS Hints & Tips   When cooking for kids, it's a good idea to add lots of colour and vegetables are great for this. If it's rich in colour it's high in vitamins and minerals. We all know that we need our 5 a day but we dont always get it, so my advice is never to go to the supermarket hungry.....and make a list to shop from. Buy healthy and leave the naughty food on the shelf! Its easier to resist temptation if the unhealthy food isn't in your cupboards in the first place. Drink plenty of water, but if like me, you think it's boring, buy the flavoured type or sparkling and add ice. Eat when you are hungry not because others are or it's tea time. Try not to eat late, after 7pm and get enough sleep.   We hope you enjoyed this month's 'at-your-desk' exercise from Sharron Davies, we like to receive feedback so if you have any comments or questions please email marketinguk@esselte.com. Esselte is Europe's leading office supplier and one of the largest global office supplies manufacturers. The company develops innovative solutions that simplify the modern home and workplace and sells more than 30,000 different office products in over 120 countries through 29 offices around the world. Its principal brands include Esselte, Leitz, and Xyron. More information can be found by visiting www.esselte.co.uk