Quick and Easy Exercises You can do at Your Desk
When you think of things that are bad for your body, what do you think of? Did you think of cigarettes, candy, fast food, or alcohol (or maybe all four)? While you’re certainly right with each of those guesses, there’s one equally as damaging factor missing from that list — sitting. Yup, the thing you’re probably doing right now may be negatively affecting your health.
With most of us spending several hours a day sitting at our desks, inactivity has become an epidemic in America, with the World Health Organization attributing 3.2 million deaths to a lack of physical activity.
But alas! There is hope. Even the most simple, low-intensity exercises can help get your blood flowing and improve your health.
At Your Desk
Hands to the ceiling. Stretch your arms out in front of you and lock your fingers with your palms facing away from you. Move your hands up to the ceiling, trying to get your shoulders parallel to your ears.
Look around the office. Keeping your shoulders and back still, turn your neck as far as it can go (without straining yourself) to the right, then the left.
Go for a roll. Tilt your head down so that your chin is touching your chest. Gently roll your head from one shoulder to the other several times.
Bend your knees. Holding onto the armrests of your chair, lift your back off of the back of the chair and stretch your legs out in front of you. Gently bend your knees, bringing them almost to your chest. Repeat this up to 10 times.
Arm circles. Stretch your arms out to either side of your body. Holding them parallel to the floor, move them in small circles forward then backward.
A Few More Things You Can do at The Office
Walk. Getting up once an hour for just a two-minute walk can help better circulate blood throughout your legs and head.
Take the stairs. Instead of relying on the elevator, take the stairs to your floor.
Change to a standing desk. Ask your employer if you could use a standing desk for part of the day or get a desk that converts from sitting to standing.
Park farther away in the parking lot. Instead of fighting for the closest spot, park further away from your office and get a few extra steps in before and after work.
Orthopaedic Specialty Group is the largest and most experienced orthopedic practice in southern Connecticut. Our expert team of doctors can fix virtually every bone and joint in your body. Schedule an appointment online, or call us at (203) 337-2600.