Easy Stretches to Do at Your Desk
Stuck at a desk all day? You might be at risk! Americans who sit all day are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, misaligned hips, weight gain, dry eyes, varicose veins, and even premature death.
Combat poor health and give your body a boost by doing these incognito exercises while at your desk.
Core Leg Lift
- Sit up tall in your seat. Contract your abs and lift one foot off the floor about six inches, so the knee comes straight up with the foot directly underneath (maintaining a 90-degree bend in the knee).
- Hold for 10 seconds and slowly lower it while relaxing your abs.
- Repeat with the opposite leg.
- Alternate throughout the exercise.
Under Desk Dynamics
- Start with feet flat on floor.
- Sit tall at your desk.
- Hold your abdominal muscles tight.
- Extend one leg until it is level with your hip.
- Hold for ten seconds.
- Slowly lower leg.
- Repeat 15 times.
- Change legs.
No Hands Stand Up
- From a seated position, stand up.
- Don't use your hands for balance.
- Sit down.
- Stand up again, again without using your hands.
- Repeat
"Big Hug" Stretch
- Hug your body, placing the right hand on your left shoulder and the left hand on your right shoulder.
- Breathe in and out, releasing the area between your shoulder blades.