14 January Posture Check and Stretch Break January 14, 2021 By Editor Wellness health, wellness 0 Posture Check and Stretch Breaks! Table of Contents Posture Check – Sitting Workspace Tips Posture Check - Standing Stretches - During the Workday Shoulder Stretch Side Neck Stretch Seated Side Torso Stretch Seated Torso Twist Shoulder Blade Squeeze Seated March Stretches - Work-from-Home Standing Thigh Stretch/Quadriceps Stretch Hamstring Stretch Calf Stretch Knee-to-Chest Stretch Lower Back Rotational Stretch Stretches - After a Day of Standing Split Squats Standing Half Moon Tree Pose Fold Forwards Plank Whether we’re sitting or standing for most of the day, how we’re sitting and standing, how often we move throughout the day, and our movement types can affect our well-being. Adjusting our posture and adding in some simple stretches can positively affect how we feel. Posture Check: Working with a bad posture for extended periods of time can lead to muscle aches and pains, so starting with a good foundation is important. Here is an example from the Mayo Clinic1: Workspace Tips: Adjust Your Chair and Armrests So Your: Feet are flat on the floor Thighs are parallel to the floor Arms are gently resting with shoulders relaxed Keyboard, Mouse, and Typing Use keyboard shortcuts for less mouse use Your mouse should be within easy reach and on the same surface as your keyboard Adjust mouse sensitivity so only a light touch is needed Try switching the mouse occasionally to the opposite side you normally use When typing - wrists straight, upper arms close to your body, and hands at or slightly below the level of your elbows Important Items Keep your most used items close by to avoid reaching Stand to reach any items out of comfortable reaching distance Phone Use a headset or phone speaker rather than holding the phone between your head and neck Monitor Monitors should be about an arm’s length away The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level For bifocal wearers Posture Tips When Standing All Day: Feet Try to keep your weight on the balls of your feet Knees Soften your knees when you’re standing. Locking your knees can close off your circulation and can cause knee and low back pain. Legs Stand with your legs slightly apart, with feet about shoulder-width apart, to help increase your base of support and help you use both sides of your body equally. Core Tightening your core muscles can take some of the stress of your feet and knees. Posture Overall Your head, shoulders, hips, and knees should line up. Small Movements Shift your weight from side to side occasionally to equalize your weight bearing and activate your core. Bend your knees occasionally throughout the day. To work the muscles on the front and back of your calves a little, rock up on your toes and down on your heels periodically. Stretches: Consider your current activity levels and any medical conditions you have before stretching or adding more activity to your day. Taking things slowly and letting your body naturally build up strength and flexibility can be more beneficial for your overall health. The below lists do not cover all stretches you can potentially add to your day - these are just a few suggestions! Always consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns about certain stretches or movements and for advice on stretches that could work for you. For some stretches to do during the office workday: Shoulder Stretch To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step: Bring one of your arms across your body and hold it with your opposite arm, either above or below the elbow Hold for about 30 seconds Return to starting position and repeat on other side Side Neck Stretch To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step: Slowly turn your head to look over your shoulder with back against the chair and shoulders forward Hold for 10-30 seconds Return to starting position and repeat on other side Repetition: 6 – 8 times on each side. Rest before a second set Seated Side Torso Stretch To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step: Place hands behind your head with elbows out to the side, cross your arms over your body, or leave your arms at your sides Bend your body to one side, bending at the waist but keeping your head facing forward. Hold 5 seconds Return to starting position and repeat on other side Repetition: 6 – 8 times on each side. Rest before a second set Seated Torso Twist To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step: Place hands behind your head with elbows out to the side, cross your arms over your body, or leave your arms at your sides Slowly twist your body to one side with your head following your body as you turn. Twist from your waist without moving your hips Hold for 10-30 seconds Return to starting position and repeat on other side Repetition: 6 – 8 times on each side. Rest before a second set Shoulder Blade Squeeze To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step Pull your shoulder blades together Hold for 5 seconds and then relax Repetition: 3 – 5 times twice a day. Seated March To Start: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart Step-by-Step: Raise one knee as high as you comfortably can Return to original position and repeat on opposite side Repetition: 6-8 times per leg (12-16 times total). Rest before a second set Some additional stretches to try if you’re working from home or for after the workday: Standing Thigh Stretch/ Quadriceps Stretch To Start: Stand with your left side to the wall. Place your left hand on the wall for balance, keeping the arm slightly bent. Step-by-Step: Raise your right heel directly up. Reach back with your right hand and grab your foot at the hell, ankle, or sock (whichever is most comfortable). You can also grab your pant leg or just raise your foot as high as you can while still feeling comfortable. Hold for 2-3 seconds while standing tall and looking straight ahead. Your knee should be point toward the floor and your ankle should be in a straight line with your leg, not twisted to the side Let go of your pant leg/foot and slowly return to starting position. Then repeat. Complete one set, then turn around and hold the wall with your right hand when working your left leg Repetition: 6-8 times with each foot. Rest before a second set Note: Keeping your standing leg slightly bent can help with balance and avoiding injury. Stand tall and avoid leaning over. Talk with your doctor before trying this stretch if you’ve had hip or back surgery. Hamstring Stretch To Start: Stand with your left side to the wall. Place your left hand on the wall for balance, keeping the arm slightly bent. Step-by-Step: Place your left heel on the floor in front of you. Learn forward from your hip (not your waist!) Push your hip back and reach toward your toe with your right hand. Your foot can be point up or flat on the floor, whichever is most comfortable. Your shoulders and back should be straight as you reach forward. Hold for 2-3 seconds Return to starting position then repeat. Complete one set and then turn around and work the other leg Repetition: 6-8 times with each foot. Rest before a second set Calf Stretch To Start: Facing a wall, stand slightly farther than arm’s length away, feet shoulder-width apart. Lean against the wall with both hands on the wall. Step-by-Step Bend one leg and place the foot on the ground in front of you. The other leg extends behind you with the knee slightly bent. Both feet point straight ahead. Slowly move your hips forward, keeping your lower back flat. Be sure the hell of your back foot is flat on the floor, and your weight is in your back heel. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Return to starting position then repeat. Continue alternating legs. Repetition: 3-5 times with each leg. Rest before a second set Knee-to-Chest Stretch To Start: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor Step-by-Step Using both hands, pull one knee up and press it to your chest Tighten your abdominals and press your spine to the floor Hold for 5 seconds Return to starting position then repeat with the opposite leg Return to the starting position and then repeat with both legs at the same time Repetition: 2-3 times for each stretch. Try to do this once in the morning and once in the evening Lower Back Rotational Stretch To Start: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Step-by-Step Keeping your shoulders firmly on the floor, roll your bent knees to one side Hold for 5-10 seconds Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side Repetition: 2-3 times for each stretch. Try to do this once in the morning and once in the evening Stretches for after a day of standing Split Squats To Start: Stand tall with feet about shoulder width apart. Step-by-Step Step forward with one leg and take the other leg back for a long stance. Slowly drop straight down until your back knee touches the floor. You should feel your front thigh stretching. Slowly rise up again and repeat with your legs reversed. Repetition: 2-3 times for each stretch. Standing Half Moon To Start: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart. Step-by-Step Raise your arms above your head until the palms touch, keeping your arms straight. Bend to the right, slowly, until you can feel the muscles on the left side of your body stretching. Try to keep the rest of your body as still as possible and don’t push your hips to the left. Hold for 10 seconds Return to standing position then bend to the left and repeat. Repetition: 1-2 times for each stretch. Tree Pose To Start: Stand tall with feet about shoulder-width apart. Step-by-Step Raise one leg and place your foot on the inside of your thigh or your calf, whichever is more comfortable. Raise your arms above your head and bring your palms together, keeping your arms straight. You can hold your arms above your head or bring them down in front of your chest, palms still together. Hold for 10 seconds. Slowly lower your arms and leg. Repeat while standing on the other leg. Repetition: 1-2 times for each stretch. Fold Forwards To Start: Stand tall with feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Step-by-Step Slowly fold yourselves forwards until you feel a stretch in your back. Don’t push yourself further, just let your arms hang down in front of you. You should feel your back and legs stretching. Hold for 10-40 seconds. Slowly roll back up to standing. Repetition: 1-2 times. Plank To Start: Lie on your front. Step-by-Step Lift your body off the floor, holding yourself with forearms flat on the floor and only the front of your foot/toes on the floor. Hold for as long as you can, starting with a 5 second goal. Slowly lower yourself back to the floor. Repetition: 1-2 times. Remember Don't push yourself when learning a new stretch or getting back into stretching. Take it slow and make sure you're always comfortable in the movement. Consult your doctor with questions and concerns and for advice. Back to Top 1. Mayo Clinic. "Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide." 2. Mayo Clinic "Slide show: A guide to basic stretches. 3. Mayo Clinic. "Slide show: Back exercises in 15 minutes a day." Related Posts Checkup Checklist - Get the Most Out of Your Next Doctor's Appointment Questions and topics to ask yourself and your doctor before your next checkup. Get the most out of your next doctor's appointment. Take a Break! 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