AITA for using my paid one-hour lunch to walk in the parking garage instead of staying at my desk?

I take my paid one-hour lunch and usually walk laps around the parking garage to get exercise and keep my cardio up. A coworker confronted me and said lunch is for eating and I should go back to work—now I’m getting side comments and wondering if I misstepped.

A few years ago I moved into a more office-based role and noticed I was getting less movement, some extra weight, and worse cardio. I get a one-hour paid lunch each day. Most coworkers eat at their desks or take it in the building; I go to my car, eat, then walk laps around the parking garage before returning. I’m never gone for more than the hour and I’m back on time.

I started walking during my paid lunch to stay active because the job is sedentary—I'm careful to use only my allotted hour and return on time. A coworker confronted me and said lunch is for eating, and since then I’ve been fielding comments from others; I’m trying to use my break responsibly without being judged.

On a recent lunch I did my usual: ate in my car, then started walking. I ran into a coworker who had gone out to get something from his car. He stopped me and asked what I was doing; I said I was taking a walk during my lunch. He told me lunch is for eating and that when I finish I should go back to work. I told him the company gives an hour and I plan to use it how I see fit.

"We are given an hour for lunch—I want to use all of it in the best way I can."

After that, I started getting side comments before I head out on break that I didn’t get before. My manager has no problem with my routine, and I am paid for that hour (I’m salaried), but some coworkers react negatively when they see me walking. I always return on time, complete my work, and keep my phone in case of emergency calls—none have ever happened.

"I’m back on time, my work is done, and I’m using paid break time that I earn."

I talked to my parents and they said in their jobs they worked through lunch and I shouldn’t be walking. They’re older and from a different workplace culture, so I’m not sure if their view should decide this. The manager’s comfortable with it, but the social pressure from coworkers is making me question whether I’m the a**hole for using my paid break to walk.

🏠 The Aftermath

Since the conversation with that coworker, I’ve noticed snide comments and raised eyebrows when I go out. My schedule hasn’t changed—I still return within the hour and finish my duties—but workplace chatter has increased. My manager is fine with my routine and I haven’t missed deadlines or urgent requests.

At work: a small social friction has developed; some colleagues disapprove, others don’t care. At home: my parents think I should work through lunch like their generation. Personally: I feel healthier for taking the walk and confident I’m using my paid time reasonably.

Consequences include awkwardness around the office and occasional comments before I head out, but no formal reprimand or managerial complaint so far.

"I am paid for the hour and I use it—walking keeps me healthy and doesn’t interfere with my work."

I’m left wondering whether to back down to avoid friction or to keep doing what works for my health and schedule since it’s allowed and doesn’t harm my performance.

💭 Emotional Reflection

This is largely a clash of workplace norms and personal priorities. You’re allowed paid time, your manager has no issue, and your deliverables are met—those are strong facts in your favor. The discomfort from coworkers likely comes from assumptions about “proper” use of lunch and differing expectations about visibility and commitment.

Your parents’ experience reflects a different era; their advice is understandable but not necessarily applicable. The productive path is to keep doing what works while staying professional: be visible when needed, respond to emergencies if they arise, and keep communication open with your manager so there’s no ambiguity about availability.

If you want to reduce friction, small adjustments help—take slightly different timing, offer to cover occasional desk duties, or share that you’re on a paid break and reachable for urgent matters. But ethically and contractually, using your paid lunch for exercise when you return on time and meet your obligations is reasonable.

Here’s how the community might see it:

“You’re using paid time and getting your work done—good for you for protecting your health.”

“It’s annoying coworkers might judge, but unless your manager or role expects otherwise, you’re within your rights.”

“If it eases tension, tell people you’re on paid break and keep your phone nearby—no harm in being transparent.”

Responses will likely side with using paid breaks for health while advising tact to avoid workplace friction—especially if the manager is already okay with it.

🌱 Final Thoughts

You’re not wrong for using an hour you’re paid for to walk and look after your health, and you’re meeting your responsibilities. The main downside is social: coworkers’ expectations and cultural norms about lunch can make allowed behavior feel controversial.

If you want to smooth things over, be transparent with colleagues about being on paid break and reachable for urgent needs, and continue to ensure your work and availability remain solid. That balances personal wellbeing with workplace harmony.

What do you think?
Would you use your paid lunch for exercise at work, or keep it at your desk to avoid friction? Share your experiences below 👇