Workout at Work

I am stuck behind a computer for most of the day. Unfortunately in order to type, one needs to sit (believe me I've tried standing). A quick mid-day workout can wake you up by getting your circulation going. I take 20 minutes out of my busy day to stretch and relax. I also take frequent bathroom breaks and trips to the cafeteria for glasses of water.

Hold the following stretches for about 30-seconds each, but I urge you to hold it longer if it feels good.

Finger-lickin' Stretch If you type all day at a computer, like I do, or find your fingers cramping up from scribbling with a pen or pencil constantly try this: Separate and straighten the fingers on your right hand as far as you can stretch Hold for 10 seconds. Relax and stretch your left hand. For a total hand stretch try bending your fingers on each hand at the knuckles and hold for 10 seconds.

Figure 01 Figure 02

Shoulder Shrug If you remain seated for most of the day, unless you have perfect posture (I know that I don't) you probably have lots of tension in your neck and shoulders. To relieve it try this: Shrug your shoulders up towards your ear lobes Hold for 10-seconds Relax your shoulders and repeat a few times.

Figure 03 Figure 04

Neck Twist Whenever my boyfriend massages my back he never fails to comment on the stiffness of my neck muscles. If you don't have a masseuse at your beck and call, try this: Shrug your shoulders up towards your ear lobes Hold for 10-seconds Relax your shoulders and repeat a few times.

Figure 05 Figure 06 Figure 07

Hug-me Stretch Everyone deserves a hug after a long morning at work. Try this: Hold your left arm straight over your body. Grip your left arm just above the elbow with the palm of your right hand. Gently push your left arm by the elbow towards your right shoulder Hold 10-seconds and repeat on right side.

Figure 08

Behind-the-Back Whenever I perform this stretch I try to visualize my muscles lengthening through my shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Stand and interlace your fingers behind the small of your back. Stretch and straighten your arms up towards the back of your head. Hold for 10-seconds.

Figure 09 Figure 10

Desk-side Pretzel This stretches the sides of the hips and lower and middle back. It puts the body in a pretzel shape, but this pretzel is good for you it's low in carbs and has no salt. Sit up straight and face forward Cross your left leg over right leg Place the elbow of your right arm on the outside of the upper left thigh and press gently. Turn your head and neck so you're looking over your left shoulder. Hold for 10-seconds, then repeat with opposite side.

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