April 25, 2024

At the Office Neck Stretch

Fit Body:

At the Office Neck Stretch

Tight neck and upper back muscles contribute to a forward-hunched posture. Take a break from sitting every hour and do this neck, shoulder and upper back stretch. Stand up tall. Inhale and pull your shoulders down and back. Exhale and drop your right ear toward your right shoulder. If comfortable, place your right hand on top of your right ear. Be sure you’re not pulling with your hand, but simply resting your hand. Then release. Next, inhale and pull your shoulders down and back again to set correct posture and alignment, and then exhale dropping your left ear toward your left shoulder.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

 

Stretch Break!

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.

 

Your Posture: Avoid the Hunch!

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.

Feel-Good Shoulder Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Shoulder Stretch

Tight shoulders from sitting at your desk? Do this stretch every few hours. Reach your right arm straight up overhead. Keeping your torso upright, bend your right elbow and reach your right hand toward your upper back. Hold for 10-30 seconds, or 3 deep breaths. Release. Repeat reach your left arm straight up overhead.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

 

How to Stretch During Your Day

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Stretch during your day!

Decrease lower body tension and muscle aches that come with sitting in your office chair for hours on end. Here’s how:

Stand up behind your chair. Hold on to the chair for support with your left hand. Bend your right knee and hold your right ankle behind your body with your right hand. Keep your torso upright. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat the same stretch, holding on to the chair with your right hand. Bend your left knee and hold your left ankle with your left hand. Stand up tall and breathe, hold for 10-30 seconds, slowly release.

 

*Always consult your physician before performing exercise.