Deskercising

The activity of exercising at one’s desk during normal working hours.

We predict this will be all rage real soon. Because we are “experts” in the fields of:

• office furniture
• design
• office productivty
• team building
• counseling for the overworked office worker
• training for the international office Olympic games
• and many more too numerous to mention here

You can take our word that this is not just a fad (although it could be), evidence is mounting (we have lots of papers supporting our theories lying on our garage floor) that we are reaching critical time in the deskercise movement. As the employment rate continues to decline it will become necessary for each person to prove their worth to the corporate overlords and so individual productivity must continue to increase. We offer these innovative stretching routines that will assist you in becoming not just more flexible at work but more energized, awake and ready to conquer the ever-growing needs of the corporate world that we live in.

So take a few minutes every 45 minutes or so and do a couple of these stretches. You will be maintain your energy level throughout the day and get more done in less time.

These graphics and descriptions were developed by the fine folks over at HealthLine.

First Up:

 The Daydream

Here you are stretching your arm over your head and reaching back as if to scratch an itch at the top of your back. Grab your elbow and gently pull down. You’ll feel the stretch in your tricep and side muscles. Don’t pull too hard. Count to 10 or 15 and then release.  Now do the other side and then repeat 2-3 times per session. Then relax.

Next, The Capet Gazer

Here you stay in your chair. Stretch your legs out straight and then carefully bend at the waist and reach for your toes. Stretch as far as is comfortable and then a little more. Stay in this position for 20 seconds as you feel your lower back stretch – it feels so goooood. As you are stretching you can pretend to look for that lost piece of candy or popcorn. You can also use this time to examine the pattern in the carpet (or dirt stains) for the answer to the universe.  Do this 2-3 times during each stretching session,

The Half-Bear Hug

Gently hug one knee to your chest. Feel the stretch in the back of your thigh and lower back. After you’ve done each leg grab them both and hug. This will take you back to your childhood when you were learning to do somersaults.

The Olympic Diver

In this exercise you are going to clasp your hands together and stretch them out in front of you. Lower your head so it is in line with your arms and stretch forward. You can pretend that you actually know how to dive and truly impress your cube mates.

You will feel the stretch in your upper and mid back as you stretch forward. Count to 10 then relax and repeat several times.

The Almost Aerobics Reach

Extend each arm overhead and to the opposite side as you imagine Richard Simmons goading your towards a fabulous body.

The “Who Cares If Am At Work” Shrug

Raise both shoulders at once up toward the ears. Drop them and repeat as you explain to your boss that you are, indeed, listening with interest.

 The Freedom Search

Clasp your hands behind your back, push the chest outward and raise your chin. This is better done outside where you are look up at the trees and breathe deeply thereby refreshing your inner core as well. But if you are inside then you can contemplate life as you examine the ceiling tiles or other structure of your ceiling.

The Spine Popping Chatterbox

Cross your legs and alternate twists toward the back of the chair. Exhale as you lean into the stretch for greater range of motion. You could even do this while you are conferencing with someone, assuming they won’t be distracted by your swiveling around in your desk chair.

Even better, get up and do this standing up and encourage others to do this as well, you may have to ignore the whole crossing of legs thing if you are standing. The meeting will be more productive, energized and probably shorter which may or may not be a good thing.

The Happy Cheer

Clasp your hands together above your head and stretch upward. Follow this up with the “spirit fingers” or some other free spirited movement to get the blood flowing.

Next is The Leaning Tower of Cheer

We’re going to repeat The Happy Cheer, but this time we want to lean our arms and shoulders from one side then the other. This won’t be easy if you have indulged too much at the company outing last night – you have those right?

First is the Dead Robot Dance

Here we want to lean our head forward and slowly roll from side to side. Kind of like the broken bobble head doll after your dog has played with it a little too much

Second is the Sophomore Headshot

Gently pull your head toward each shoulder. Similarly the way your chiropractor might work your neck but stopping before you pull it off your shoulders.