Office Workouts

As we are at the tail end of a long winter and the cold weather still discourages most from going outside, incorporating some simple office exercises into your daily routine can help you stay active. It is easy to become stagnant at work, but keeping your blood flowing with simple stretches and exercises can help with mental functioning and overall productivity. Here are a few stretches to try:

• Reach over your shoulder to your upper back. With your other hand, grab the elbow and gently pull until you reach a comfortable stretch.

• While sitting upright in your chair, gently turn your torso as far as you can to the left (as far as is comfortable). Then repeat in the opposite direction.

• To stretch your quads, stand and hold the back of your chair with one hand. Bend one knee bringing your foot toward your bottom with your other hand until you feel a gentle stretch.

Here are some easy exercises to try:

• Stand up with your back flat against the wall. Slowly slide down the wall, bending your knees but not bending past the knees. Hold for three seconds.

• Sit down, grip the seat of your chair, straighten your knee and slowly move your leg outward, then back toward the center and down.

There’s no shortage of books, binders, and folders around the office. Grab something stable with a decent weight to it for these exercises:

• Start with a book in each hand, arm down, and raise your arms out to the side to shoulder height. Repeat this sequence.

• With a palm up, hold a book level with your knee. Use the opposite hand to support your elbow. In a curling motion, raise the book up to your shoulder and lower.