The 3-minute work-desk stretch

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Strengthen your mind and body

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Believe it or not, sitting is harder on your body than standing — especially if you sit in the same position for long periods. So take time out at least every hour for this 3-minute, total-body stretch. You’ll work better and your body will feel better too.

Either print out these easy exercises or bookmark this page so you can refer to these exercises whenever you need a mini-break. Practice these moves often and this 3-minute routine will soon become a part of your workday.

Hands and arms

Finger curl:
Make a fist with each hand, but keep your thumbs out straight. Pull your fingers up your palm until your fingertips touch the base of your fingers. Release.



Wrist stretch:
Place one hand on the fingers of the other. Slowly bend wrist down until you feel a stretch. Hold 3-5 seconds and relax. Repeat 3 times. Then repeat bending upwards.


Arm stretch:
Sit at your desk with elbows on the table. Keeping palms together, slowly lower your wrists to the table until you feel a stretch. Hold 5-7 seconds. Repeat 3 times.


Neck and shoulders



Shrug:
Pull your shoulders up to your ears, hold for 3-5 seconds, and relax. Repeat 2-3 times.


Neck incline:
Sitting or standing with a straight back, relax your head to the right, trying to touch your ear to your shoulder, being careful not to raise your shoulder. Hold for 3-5 seconds and raise head. Repeat on right side, then forward. Repeat the sequence until tension is released.


Back



Side stretch:
Sitting in your chair with feet flat on the floor, reach your arms above your head and interlace your fingers. Press arms as far back you can and hold a moment. Slowly lean to one side, hold for a few seconds and then return upright. Repeat on the other side.



Back curl:
Holding your right shin just below your knee, lift leg off the floor while curling your back forward. Try to touch your nose to your knee. Hold for a moment. Lower leg and repeat on left side.



Open chest stretch:
Sitting at the edge of your chair, pull arms behind you and interlace fingers with palms facing your back. Leaning slightly forward, lift arms up and try to place them on the chair back. Pull your shoulders down, away from your ears, and take a few deep breaths before releasing.


Feet and Legs


Ankle curl:
Lift left leg straight in front of you. Flex and point foot, so toes stretch up to ceiling, then straight out. Repeat 2-3 times, then rotate foot in circles, clockwise 3 times, then counterclockwise. Repeat with right leg.


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