Do you suffer from office overload? The sure signs are neck strain, lower back pain, and an overwhelming desire to toss the boss’ latest directive out the window.
Â
Do you suffer from office overload? The sure signs are neck strain, lower back pain, and an overwhelming desire to toss the boss’ latest directive out the window.
Laura Laura, a trainer at the Rye Y, has a better idea. De-stress at the office by taking five- to ten-minute breaks every few hours — or as needed. Rise up from your chair and move, stretch, and even do push-ups to relax mind and body.
Check your posture. Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time may cause you to slump down and curve your back. Think tall and engage your core. Imagine drawing your bellybutton into your back. Drop your shoulders down, not back.
Â
If your neck aches, it’s most likely because you spend too much time leaning forward at your desk, which strains the muscles in both your neck and upper back. Try turning your head slowly from side to side.
Â
Follow Laura’s easy office exercises: walking lunges (20 reps); wall hold (squat against a wall for 20 seconds and repeat; be sure your back is flat against the wall and the weight is in your heels); push-ups (three sets of ten reps; you can use the floor or a desk); tricep dip (use a stable surface and allow your body to lower down to the floor while keeping your elbows close; do two sets of ten reps); prone iso abs plank (keep body straight and squeeze your glutes); climb stairs for good, old-fashioned cardio and strength building or take a brisk walk to give you a natural wake-up mid-day.
Â
It’s all in a day’s work, afterall.
Â
— Photos by Robin Jovanovich
