If you work at a desk all day, you’re probably on the computer a lot. If you’re on the computer a lot, you’re probably well aware of the dangers and harm to your health that working at a desk all day can do.
So what have you done about it lately?
Don’t worry. Despite all the FitBits and alarms telling us to get up and stretch every hour, few of us do.
But, if you want to change all that, reduce the ill health effects and avoid a trip to our Markham physiotherapy clinic, try some of the stretching exercises below.
Stay Fit with These Office Desk Stretches
First, if you haven’t been physically active, talk to your doctor before starting any extra exercise. Second, if you feel any amount of pain or discomfort while doing the stretches listed below, stop them immediately. Third, with all that said, the following will give your body a break during the day.
- Neck Rotations – Keep your head straight. Slowly turn your head from side to side. Try to line up your chin with your shoulder, or move past it if you can.
- Upper Shoulders and Neck Stretch – Sit with one hand tucked under your leg. Tilt your head towards the side away from your hand. You should feel a pull in your neck. Hold for 5 seconds. Then tilt your head slightly forward, towards the shoulder opposite to where your hand is. You should feel the stretch move more into your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds and repeat on the other side.
- Sitting Spinal Rotation – Sitting with your back straight, cross your arms and place each hand on the front of the shoulder blade opposite to it. Turn your upper body from the waist, first left then right. Turn as far as you can without feeling pain.
- Touch Your Toes – While sitting on your desk chair, put your legs straight out in front of you. Try to touch your toes with both hands and your palms face down. Then alternate by putting your left hand behind your back and try touching your right toe with your right hand. Switch hands.
You can repeat each exercise as often as you’re comfortable with during each session. You can also choose to have a session regularly or after different periods of time. If you can make each session at least five minutes long.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article “Osteopath vs Chiropractor: Which One Do You Need?”
