Four Easy Desk Exercises

business and work

Many of us sit at desks all day typing away at our computers. Because of this development in history most of us don’t get enough physical activity. This is why it is extremely important to do desk exercises.

The human body was not designed to sit around. Obesity and muscle related health concerns have been related to physical inactivity.

Being trapped at your desk all day is not an excuse to be inactive. Here are four easy desk exercises you can do without leaving the comfort of your cubicle.

Desk Exercise #1 – Quick Cardio

You need to elevate your heart rate often in order to keep your heart healthy. while the best cardio workout is to get it up and keep it up for at least 20 minutes – Every little counts!

If you have a spare 5 minutes during the day – that will be enough to get your blood pumping!

Here’s a great way to get your blood moving without having to leave your chair …

Pump your arms up above your head and then down again for 30 seconds. Next, you’ll want to tap your feet rapidly back and forth – like you’re running in place. Alternate arms and feet for about five minutes.

Desk Exercise #2 -Arm Stretches

If you’re on the computer all day it is important to stretch your arms and wrists. stretching helps to relieve stress created by repetitive movements.

Here are some wrist and arm stretches that can be done quickly and easily.

Extend your arm straight out in front of you. Your wrist should be bent back so your palm is facing out (away from your body). Use the other arm to pull back your hand. You should be able to feel the stretch in your whole arm. Repeat with the other arm.

Next you’ll want to press your palms firmly together in front of you. Your elbows should be bent and lifted. Bend your wrists back and forth, pushing with your hands.

You should also raise your hands directly above you while interlacing your fingers. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Slowly lower your arms so that they are directly in front of you, then raise them high above your head again. You should do this 3 to 5 times.

Desk Exercise #3 – Leg lifts

You can damage your legs by sitting or standing in the same position all day. Lack of circulation in your legs can cause blood clots and other conditions as well as result in pain.

Improve the health of your legs by increasing the circulation with the following exercise.

Sit up straight in your chair. Extend one leg until it is straight in front of you. Hold it there for a moment and then return it back to the floor. Continue this exercise alternating legs for 3 to 5 minutes.

You can also lift one leg a few inches off the floor while keeping your knee bent. You’ll want to hold it there before returning it to the floor. Repeat for a few minutes while alternating legs.

Desk Exercise #4 -Back stretches

Sitting at a desk all day can also be murder on your back. You can actually relieve back pain at work without taking time out of your day. This will require a bit of concentration on your part.

You’ll need to be sure that you use proper posture throughout the day. By learning to sit up straight in your chair without slouching will cause long term relief of pain.

If you experience back pain throughout the day you can find temporary relief by pulling your stomach forward while arching your back and bending your shoulders back. Another great stretch for your back is to to sit up straight with your body facing forward in your chair while turning around with your upper body.

While these exercises aren’t going to give you a killer body, they will help you feel better and make you healthier.

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