Office Stretching Classes | Desk Stretches

Staying active throughout the day is important for your physical and mental well being. However, stuck at a desk job from 9-6, 5 days a week in front of a computer screen isn’t going to help you stay healthy and strong.

Why do you need office stretching classes?

Muscle tension, headaches, poor posture, blood circulation and stress are all results of motionless behaviour.

As workplaces become more flexible, with leaders understanding the benefits of a healthy workforce, desk stretching can be incorporated into your daily schedule. They maybe small movements but they make a big difference! Keep your mind and body relaxed, prepare to conquer your day and your to-do list.

What are the benefits of office stretching?

Reduction in muscle tension leads to decrease risk of musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains and strains of the lower back, shoulders, and knees. Tension in your shoulders and neck, is also a trigger for mental tension. Heard of tension headaches? They hurt! Adopting a desk stretching routine can decrease these headaches and lower stress.

Stretching increases blood circulation. Help keep proper blood flow and nutrient supply to your working tissues, muscles and brain! Better circulation means more oxygen to the brain, leading to a more powerful mind.

Increase energy levels and productivity. Endorphins that are naturally released during stretching provide a free and natural pick me up. Save money on those afternoon caffeine hits.

Improve your muscular balance, posture and coordination. Maintaining good posture at your desk is an ongoing battle. Poor posture pulls your body and causes imbalance applying stress and tension to different areas. Stretching throughout the day will help to improve posture and prevent you from slouching.

Need more convincing? Check out this ted talk video on why sitting is bad for you

Got you on board with office stretches? Lets do this

Here are a few simple (and subtle), stretches that anyone can do in the office or at home.

The Shoulder Shrug

Relive the painful neck tension - Simply sit up straight and raise your shoulders as high as you can towards your ears and back down again.

Give Yourself a Cuddle

Reach for each shoulder with opposing hands hold tight. Feel your embrace and take a deep breath or two. You will be feeling better in no time. Everyone likes a good hug.

Wrist twists 

Stretch out your forearms and hands after pounding out a long email. Hold your hand out in front of you in a fist and rotate at the wrist. Open your hands and do the same thing.

Spinal rotation

Release your back. Cross your right leg over left and hold the back of your chair with your left arm. Twist around from right to left as far as your back allows and repeat the other way round.

Leg Extensions

Holding your desk with your hands stretch your legs out underneath, pointing and flexing your toes to feel the stretch – even better if you can do it with your shoes off!

Your mind and body will thank you

Simply adding a few of these desk stretches that are designed to be subtle yet effective into your work day you’re doing something good for yourself. For more information on workplace wellness read - why you need a workplace wellness program stat! article here

Get in Touch

Think everyone in your office needs to incorporate some stretching into their day? Contact us to arrange a 30 minute stretching workshop to kick start your workplace wellness journey or a series of mindful movement classes across the next six weeks.