It’s no secret, sitting at a desk all day is tough on your health. That’s why it’s so important to add in a daily dose of standing and stretching. But if you have an office job, it can be tricky to take those breaks. The solution: Set a calendar alert for yourself as a reminder to stand for one to three minutes every half hour. Better yet, mix things up with various stretches to ease the tension from sitting. Here are five ideas you can do right at your work station.
Stretch your Shoulders out
- Place one hand under your opposite elbow.
- Lift your elbow and stretch it across your chest while keeping the rest of your body still.
- Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat with the other arm.
Lift those Legs
- Sitting in your chair, hold on to the armrests, engage your core, and extend both of your legs off the ground.
- Alternate between flexing and pointing your toes five times.
- Release your legs and repeat until you feel the burn—even in your abs!
Talk to the Hand
- Extend one arm out in front of you with your palm facing outward (like you’re saying, “talk to the hand”).
- Use your other hand to pull your fingers back toward you and hold for five breaths.
- Next, point your fingers toward the ground, push your fingers toward you, and hold.
- Repeat with the other hand.
The Bobblehead
- Face straight ahead and tilt your head towards your ear, making sure not to move your shoulder.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then return your head to the starting position and relax.
- Repeat on the other side.
Do the Twist
- Sit up straight and place your right hand on the back of your chair.
- Twist your body to the right and hold.
- Now, do the same on the left side and hold.
Got a desk-friendly stretching idea? Share it with us in the comments!
Learn more about how Fitbit Wellness can help your company develop a great wellness program, create engaging challenges, and improve employee health.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Emma Leyton
Emma Leyton spreads the word about healthy living for Fitbit Group Health. A lover of all things related to health and wellness, Emma has a passion for workplace wellbeing and how it positively impacts peoples’ lives. You can find her commuting everywhere by foot, running the hills of San Francisco, roasting brussels sprouts in her oven, and blending smoothies in her Vitamix.
This really worked!
Thanks!
This really worked!
Thanks!