By now we’ve heard about how sitting at a desk all day can be detrimental to your physical health. Each week, we see a lot of patients dealing with chronic pain and fatigue from desk jobs. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, please do not hesitate to call us for an appointment. What we’re going to discuss today is much more about being proactive. By staying active (as much as possible) while sitting at your desk, you’re less likely to become lethargic and this will lead to even more productivity. Ditch the afternoon coffee and try these seven simple head-to-toe exercises you can do while sitting at your desk.
- Neck rotations. Let your chin drop and rotate it from shoulder to shoulder, running along your chest. Raise your chin and stretch your neck from side to side.
- Abdominal stretch. Sit at the end of your chair and stretch your arms straight out in front of you. Keep your back straight and contract your ab muscles. Relax and repeat!
- Back twists. While sitting up straight in your chair, put your left hand on your left hip and twist to the left and hold. Alternate sides.
- Hand stretches. Clench and tighten the muscles in your hands. Make fists. Release. Spread your fingers wide. Repeat.
- Wrist stretch. With your palm up, stretch your arm out in front of you. Grab the fingers of your outstretched arm and gently pull them down to stretch your forearm. Alternate sides.
- Leg extensions. While you’re sitting in your chair, raise your left leg till it’s level with your hip. Hold as long as you can. Alternate sides.
- Toe raises. While seated, keep your heels firmly planted on the ground and lift your toes.
There you have it! Seven simple head-to-toe exercises to keep you from hitting that afternoon wall! Again, these exercises are meant to be proactive. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, please contact one of our 3 physiotherapy clinics in Ottawa, to get you back on track!
BARRHAVEN
613.825.8548
bphysiotherapy@yahoo.ca
ORLEANS
613-830-3466
westsportphysio@yahoo.ca
WESTBORO
613-728-4160
ophysiotherapy@yahoo.ca
