desk job: stretches

Stretching. Is. Totally. Important. I was told this as a dancer. Throughout yoga. While I was touring. Through my pelvic problems and more so now probably than ever before working at the massage studio. And although my stretches have changed from time to time I know the value of good stretching in keeping my body young, limber and healthy. 

As many professionals work daily sitting at a desk as I do. (six hours at work, followed by another four to six hours writing, blogging and working on music) so I know the aches and pains of my shoulders, wrists, hips, neck, back, pelvis, etc. when I don't regularly get my stretches in. So below are some to get you started. Generally I'll do neck & arm stretches at my desk, but some of these you can save for home or get up, walk around, and do them at work. 

Kick-Back, Log-on Pose: While sitting at your desk, interlace your fingers behind your head. Relax your elbows and shoulders. Breathe and stretch your elbows back.

Keyboard Calisthenics: Place hands in prayer position, move fingers in all directions and stretch. Squeeze fists tight. Then, stretch your fingers wide. Interlace your fingers and rotate hands.

Neck Rolls: Drop your head to one side. Roll it around in a wide circle, and then switch directions.

Chair Stretches: While sitting, interlace your fingers below your knee. Bend your leg up, and then stretch your forehead to your knee. Switch legs. Another stretch for your chair: Cross your left leg over your right. Place your right hand or elbow on the crossed knee. Gently turn your body to the left and look behind you. Switch legs, and twist the other way.

Lower Back Bend: Grab the edge of your desk or counter, and step back a couple of feet. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Let your upper body stretch down, relaxing your head and neck.

---