Health Posted on Mon, Aug. 01, 2005

Exercise

Consultant helps `desk jockeys' cope

If you spend most of your workday sitting at a desk, you're what Dave Turpin calls a "desk jockey."

Turpin is president of the Charlotte-based Desk Jockey Fitness and a "corrective exercise specialist." He focuses on helping people overcome the downside to too many hours sitting at a desk.

"We discuss with our clients holistic issues that may, at first, appear unrelated to fitness," Turpin said. "Such as what you do at work (or) your caffeine consumption ... " Turpin also looks at a person's posture during the assessment each new client must complete.

Clients receive a custom-designed program using equipment such as a mat, dumbbells and an inflatable exercise ball. The exercises may be tailored to improve a client's ability to do tasks they already do, like mowing the lawn or climbing a ladder. Other clients' programs may be geared toward getting them in shape or improving their sports performance. Meal planning services are also available.

Turpin meets clients in their home or office, where he says the exercises can be done in as little as 15 minutes a day. For more information, visit www.desk jockeyfitness.com.