Stretching at Work

Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle

Are you a nine to fiver that sits at a desk most of your work day?

Do you find that periodically throughout the day your neck and back muscles feel tense and achy?

There are some good stretching exercises that you can do right at your desk that can help boost your metabolism, relieve that muscle tension, and help your circulation.

Not only does stretching feel great, it is really good for you. Having to much stress can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to ward of many illnesses and diseases, such as cancer.  So, while you are sitting at that desk, take a quick breather, and help stretch out some of that stress.

 You can give these these quick and easy stretches a try next time you are at your desk:

Back extension and shoulder blade pinch:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and gently lean backward to the point of mild tension with your arms also reaching back and squeezed toward each other.
  • Tighten shoulder blades, lower back muscles and hold. Repeat three times.

Hamstring stretch:

  • Stand with your feet crossed and gently bend forward at the hips and waist to the point of mild tension.
  • Feel the stretch along the back of your rear leg.
  • Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat with your other leg.

 

Bridge stretch:

  • Interlace your fingers with your palms pointing toward the sky.
  • Straighten your elbows and reach as far up as possible with both hands.
  • Hold for 20 seconds.

 

sm-leg-extensionsLeg extensions:

  • Grab the seat of your chair to brace yourself  and extend your legs straight out in front of you parallel to the floor.
  • Flex and point your toes five times then release.
  • Repeat three times.

 

sm-forearm-wrist-stretchForearm and wrist stretches:

  • Extend one arm without bending the elbow.
  • Bend your wrist upward, and use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back toward you and hold for 15-20 seconds.
  • Release and bend the same wrist downward, gently pulling it down and toward you with the other hand.
  • Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat both stretches with your other arm.

 

TIP:  You may have a few favorites of your own! So, don’t hesitate when you feel those muscles start to tense up….Stretch them out!

Be sure to check our “Shannon Miller  Stretching to Go”  for some great tips as well.

Source:  “5 Easy Stretches You Can Do At Work”, everydayhealth.com.

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