Shrug exercise for stress release

The neck is a common place to hold muscle tension and stress.  Combine your shoulder shrug stretch with deep breathing for an instant tension and stress release. Here’s how: Inhale, pull your shoulders up toward your ears. Exhale and pull your shoulders down and back.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Shoulder Shrug for Stress Release

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Lying Hamstring Stretch

Sitting most of the day? Do this hamstring stretch to ease lower body and lower back tension. Lie down on the floor on your back. Extend your right leg straight up with your heel toward the ceiling. Place a strap or belt securely under the arch of your shoes to assist your stretch. Keep your shoulders and hips on the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Next, extend your left leg straight up toward the ceiling. Place the strap or belt securely under your arch. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing stretch.

Undo sitting with this hamstring stretch

Seated Hamstring and Low Back Stretch

Ease muscle tension at the end of the day with this full body stretch. Begin seated on the floor with both legs out straight in front of you. Cross your right ankle over your left ankle and walk your hands forward, tuck your chin to your chest and bend forward from your low back. Hold for 2 to 3 deep breaths, then release. Next, cross your left ankle over your right ankle, walk your hands forward and ease into the stretch. Hold for 2 to 3 deep breaths, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Stretch for Relaxation

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.

At-Your-Computer Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Ease muscle tension with this Back Stretch!

Leave muscle tension at the office with this total back stretch. Begin on your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale, tuck your chin into your chest and round your back. Exhale, lift your chin and arch your back. Repeat 3-5 times.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise. This stretch is for those without injury concerns.

Ease Tension with this Back Stretch