Working at a desk all day can take a toll on your body, but incorporating simple movements into your routine can help. The following exercises can improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness and keep you feeling more energized throughout the day.
- Seated Leg Lifts: Sit up straight and lift one leg at a time, holding it parallel to the floor for a few seconds before lowering it. Repeat with the other leg.
- Chair Dips: Place your hands on the edge of your chair, slide your bottom off the chair, and lower yourself down, then push back up. Make sure your chair is stable!
- Seated Marching: While seated, lift your knees one at a time as if you are marching to get your blood flowing.
- Desk Push-Ups: Stand a few feet away from your desk, place your hands on the edge and do push-ups against the desk.
- Shoulder Shrugs: Lift your shoulders up towards your ears and then release. Repeat several times to relieve tension.
- Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head towards each shoulder, forward and backward to stretch your neck muscles.
- Wrist Stretches: Extend your arm in front of you, palm up and gently pull back on your fingers with your other hand to stretch your wrist. Repeat with the other hand.
- Seated Torso Twists: Sit up straight, place your hands on the back of your head and twist your torso to the left and right.
- Calf Raises: Stand up and lift your heels off the ground, balancing on your toes. Hold for a few seconds and then lower back down.
- Ankle Rotations: While seated, lift one foot off the ground and rotate your ankle in circles. Switch directions and then repeat with the other ankle.