Stretching exercises can be done regularly while working. A little stretching every day (and ideally every hour) can make a big difference to your health over time. Try these 17 moves below!
1. Elbow exercise
You can do this while sitting. Touch your other shoulder blade with one hand, then gently grasp its elbow with the other hand and pull that elbow in the opposite direction.
2. Knee jerk reflex
While sitting, lift your leg and grab your knee. Try extending your leg toward your chest and see how close you can keep it to you. Hold this position for 10 seconds.
3. Touch your toes
While sitting, straighten your legs and reach out to touch your toes.
4. Ballet pose
Lift your arms over your head and out in the opposite direction. Remember to keep your back straight.
5. Back clapping
Put your hands behind your back and let the palms touch each other, then push your chest out as if you were going to startle a co-worker who passes in front of you. Hold this position for 5 seconds.
6."I don't know"
Shrug your shoulders at the same time. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then relax. It's like you're shrugging your shoulders and saying "I don't know".
7."Bobble head" style
Tilt your head down and turn your neck from left to right. Remember to slow down and preferably sing a song so you don't look so weird.
8. Touch the Sky Pose
Cross your hands as far as you can to touch the sky, with your palms facing the ceiling. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Just be careful in case the sweat soaks your shirt.
9. Cross-legged
Sit with your legs crossed, then gently lower your knees to stretch your glutes. Remember to exhale slowly as you lower your knees.
10."Broken neck" pose
Reach out with one hand and grab the other side of your head. Gently, and I really mean tilt your head slightly toward your shoulder. You don't have to have your ear actually touch your shoulder, just moving it a few inches is enough.
11. Marriage Proposal
Kneel on one knee with the other bent, as if you are going to propose to your partner, and slowly lean forward. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
12. Looking up and grasping the sky
Do the same leg work as above, but this time look up to the sky and raise your hands up. This pose is great for working your abs.
13. Teacup style - "I am a small teacup"
The leg movement is the same as above, but now place your right arm at your waist, then extend your left arm toward the sky, and slowly turn to the right.
14. Handle type
Grab your hand and slowly bend toward yourself until you feel a little heat in your wrist. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Then grasp your hand with the palm facing out and pull it back toward you until you feel a stretch in your wrist.
15. One Arm Hug
Raise your left arm to grab your right shoulder. Grab the left elbow with your right hand and gently pull it toward your right shoulder. Repeat this movement with the opposite arm.
16. Push the wall
Find a wall or door and, one arm at a time, press your hands against the wall while turning around until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Remember not to do this too hard, trust me, you won't be able to move the wall!
17. High leg raise
While sitting, stretch one leg and hold for 2 seconds. Then try to lift your leg as high as possible and hold for 5 seconds. Be careful not to kick the table.