Working out While Working: How to Exercise From your Desk

Many of us spend our weekdays working long hours hunched at a desk, causing our health to take a serious hit. Due to the long hours, poor posture, and little to no physical activity our physical and mental wellbeing could be jeopardized. This can cause issues such as back pain or spinal injuries. Fortunately, there is a way to get exercise while confined to your desk. Here are a few exercises you can try out during your workweek.

Seated Leg Lifts

This exercise gives you an easy way to strengthen muscles in your upper legs from the comfort of your own desk chair. To start, make sure you are sitting upright with both of your legs resting comfortably. Then extend one leg, point your toes and raise one leg while tightening your quadriceps. Repeat the motion of lowering and raising your leg for three sets of 12 repetitions. If this sounds too easy add a weight around your foot such as a purse or computer bag.

Swivel your Abs

This is an exercise that can easily work your abdominal and oblique muscles and all you need is your swivel desk chair. Position yourself by sitting upright and let your feet hover over the floor. Hold the edges of your desk between your fingers and thumb then utilize your core by swiveling back and forth. Feel the burn by continuing this back and forth motion for three sets of 15 repetitions.

Raise those Calves

Building and engaging your calf muscles is easy from your desk. All you have to do is simply sit upright in your seat. Point your toes and keep your feet side by side then use the top of your toes to lift your calves. Continue this exercise for 12 reps to help define your calves.

Perfect your Posture

It may not seem like perfecting your posture is an exercise, but think again! Poor posture negatively affects our bodies in many ways. It could lead to achy joints, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue. You can luckily start adjusting your posture right from your desk. Sit upright and gently let your shoulders roll backward. Level your shoulders and make sure your head is straight. This can help you lessen back and shoulder aches in no time!

Blackstone Orthopedics Can help!

Working day to day at your desk can attribute to various aches and pains within the body, but Blackstone Orthopedics can help. One of our physical therapists or orthopedic surgeons would be glad to assist you. You can schedule an appointment at any of our locations in Rhode Island or Massachusetts by visiting our website or calling (800) 725-3037.