We have all heard the reports that sitting for long hours kills. Researchers say that prolonged sitting may lead to a slower than normal metabolism, diabetes and a larger waistline. We all know movement is medicine and I am firm believer in that. If I have to work at my computer for an extended period of time I make it a priority to get up and move every 30minutes. I will do a set of jumping jacks, run up and down my stairs for a total of 10 trips, I include push ups, squats, planks as well as a few stretches.
Here are a few I like to do:
Back and Hamstrings. Lie on your back, feet on the floor, knees bent. Draw both knees into your chest and rock side to side. Then alternate extending one leg and hugging the other leg into your chest. Hold each stretch for 20 -30 seconds.Enjoy this you should be able to feel the entire body relaxing.
Cross Body Stretch: Still on your back keep one leg extended and use the opposite hand to cross the bent leg across your body, and look in the opposite direction to the crossed leg.
Shoulders. Stand and reach your arms behind you, you can hold on to each wrist if this easier or interlace your fingers, while raising your arms behind you so you feel a wonderful stretch in the front of your shoulders. Here is a link to another article on Simple Desk Stretches And of course if the weather is wonderful you can always go for a walk. What are your favorite ways to break up the long hours of sitting?
For your reading pleasure:
Jodie Pilates Blog 