4 Simple Work Stretches

August 27, 2015, 3:26 pm

It’s 2:30 pm, there’s a shooting pain in your shoulder, and you have a report due by 3 pm. What do you do? With these 4 simple work stretches, you can relieve some of the stress and strain from your muscles to better focus on the task at hand.

Seated Side Stretch

For both flexibility and core strength, sit upright in your chair. Hold your right wrist over your head with your left hand and pull it, stretching your right side. Make sure to keep your shoulders down as you bend. Hold for 10 seconds. Return to upright posture. Take hold of your left wrist over your head with your right hand and stretch the other way. Repeat five times on each side.

Sitting Spinal Stretch

This enhances both flexibility and muscle strength. Sit tall in your chair, and stretch your arms toward the ceiling. Put your left hand on the desk, grab the back of the chair with your right hand and twist to the right. Hold for 10 seconds. Release and raise your arms toward the ceiling again. Then repeat the twist going the other way. Hold for 10 seconds.

Carpal Tunnel Reliever

Carpal tunnel syndrome shouldn't catch up to you if you repeat this simple move every day. Stand at your desk, and, arms straight, place your palms on the desk with your fingers pointed toward you. Lower your body slowly until you feel the stretch (you won't have to go far). Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat as needed through the day.

Shoulder Spin

This is a good move for flexibility. Sit tall in your chair and reach your left hand behind your back, between your shoulder blades, palm out. Then reach your right hand up toward the ceiling, bend it down, and try to touch your left hand. If you can reach it, great: Hold for 10 seconds. If not, grab onto your shirt and keep practicing. Switch arms and repeat. Source: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45efdje/best-exercises-to-do-at-your-desk-2/