Get Fit Quick Tip:
Arm Stretch
If you’ve been sitting at a computer for hours, it’s time for a stretch break. Stand up. Extend your right arm straight out in front of you with your arm parallel to the floor. Curl your fingers down and in. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Next, extend your left arm straight out in front of you; curl your fingers down and in, then release.
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Palm-Down Wrist Stretch
Un-do your computer work with this every day wrist stretch. Here’s how:
Extend your right arm forward with your palm facing down and your elbow straight. Curl your fingers down and in. Gently hold your right hand with your left hand if more comfortable. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Next, extend your left arm forward and curl your fingers down and in.
*Consult your physician before beginning exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Standing Side Stretch
Do this full body stretch daily to release muscle tension. Begin standing. Reach your right arm straight up overhead, gently lean to your left. Hold for 10-30 seconds or 3 full breaths, then release. Next, reach your left arm straight up overhead, lean to your right. Hold for 10-30 seconds or 3 full breaths, then release.
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Shoulder Stretch!
Stretch your shoulders to alleviate upper body muscle tension. Extend your right arm straight up overhead, and then bend your elbow and place your hand behind your head. Next, reach your left hand down and around your body to your low back. Walk both hands toward the center of your back. Keep your torso upright and your shoulders down and back. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch with your left arm overhead, and your right arm by your low back. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Never stretch into pain.
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Suffering from tight and sore muscles at your desk? Your posture may be to blame! Avoid the hunched over slump by doing 3 daily posture-reset exercises. Begin each by sitting up tall with your core engaged and feet flat on the floor.
Do each of the following exercises daily:
1. Pinch your shoulder blades together, then release. 5 reps.
2. Inhale/Pull your shoulders up to your ears. Exhale/Pull your shoulders down and back. 5 reps.
3. Place both hands behind your head. Pull your elbows wide and pull your shoulders down and back. 5 reps.
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Shrug your shoulders!
Shrug your stress out with this daily stretch. Here’s how:
Inhale and pull your shoulders straight up toward your ears. Exhale and pull your shoulders down and back. Repeat 3-5 times, extending the duration of your exhale/shoulders down with each deep breath.
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Stretch your Chest and Front Shoulder!
Stand up. Place your right hand on the wall or door frame slightly lower than shoulder level. Keep your elbow straight, and gently turn your body away from your hand. Pull your right shoulder down and back feeling a stretch across your chest and front shoulder. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch placing your left hand on the wall or door frame.
Stretching your chest and front shoulder allows for proper posture. This means you stand up straight, longer! Proper posture reduces muscle tension and stress that comes from slouching. Taking regular stand up stretching breaks during your day reminds your body of neutral or a properly aligned body position. You’ll have more energy and feel better!
*Consult your physician before performing exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
At your desk posture stretch!
Sit forward in your chair with both feet flat. Inhale and reach both arms straight up overhead. Lace your fingers with your palms facing down. Exhale, lean to your right. Inhale, return to the center. Exhale, lean to your left. Inhale, return to the center. Exhale, lower your arms. Repeat 2-3 times.
Stretching reduces muscle tension, and the deep breathing reduces stress. Perform this stretch a few times each day for physical and mental benefits!
*Consult your physician before beginning exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Stretch your Wrist Extensor Muscles!
Working on a computer all day can leave the muscles of your hands and forearms overworked, tight and sore. Add in a hunched-forward shoulder posture and long hours without a break, and the stress on your wrist extensor muscles only increases. Perform this easy at-your-computer stretch during the day to give your hands a mini-break.
Extend your right arm forward so it is parallel to the floor, with your palm facing down. Gentle curl your fingers in and down feeling a subtle stretch in the top of your forearm. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat with your left arm forward.
*Consult your physician before beginning exercise.
Get Fit Quick Tip:
Take a Break!
Taking regular fitness breaks during your day is healthy for your body and your mind. Commit to a goal of getting up, stretching or walking every 2 hours.
Here’s how to hold yourself accountable to fitness break-time:
Set your phone alarm to signal every 2 hours.
Perform at-your-desk stretches. For example:
Seated Hamstring Stretch: Sit forward in your chair. Extend your right leg straight out in front of you with your heel on the ground. Sit up tall and hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat with your left leg straight out in front of you.
Reach up and Over Stretch: Reach both arms straight up overhead. Lean to your right, then your left.
Walk the hallway. Get up and walk around your office, the hallway or around the building for ten minutes to increase circulation and decrease muscle tension.
Stand up and breathe. Simply stand up to ease lower body tension, and perform 3-5 deep breaths.
*Consult your physician before beginning exercise.
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