Sitting all day can be hard on the body. Knowing some easy chair exercises for the office will help you feel healthy and at your best in your workplace. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a simple chair yoga routine you can do the next time you need a pick-me-up at work.
The dangers of sitting all day
The human body is designed to move. Staying in a static position for extended periods of time builds tension in the muscles causing aches and pains.
A few years ago, medical professionals realized the true dangers of sitting all day. It can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar along with a whole host of other problems.
Even though we know the dangers of sitting, most still live sedentary lives. In many offices, workers spend eight hours at a desk with little opportunity to move around, but you don’t have to fall into that unhealthy trap.
Here are a few simple things you can do to stay healthy at work.
Change position
Have you ever found yourself so focused on a task that you didn’t even realize you were sitting in the same position for ages until your leg fell asleep?
When you’re sitting and working on something, it isn’t uncommon for you to hold a static position for an extended period of time. Often that position creates a lot of tension through the neck and shoulders.
Changing your position every 15 minutes. Try leaning back if you tend to sit forward in your chair when you work. Change the positions of your legs and feet. If you can adjust your chair and desk heights, that will also help. You can even alternate between sitting and standing.
Take breaks
Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. You can wander around the office or just stand beside your chair and move your legs around a bit. Movement keeps the blood flowing and your muscles healthy.
Try a chair yoga routine
Doing some easy desk exercises for the office, like chair yoga, releases tension in the muscles and prevents stiff joints. Chair exercises can be done anytime you’re sitting in a chair, and seated exercises give you the benefits of yoga without disrupting your workplace.
Try this simple chair yoga class with Kristin McGee.
Do you want more yoga classes like this? Sign up for a free trial with Omstars to get started.
