6 fun exercises you can do while sitting at your desk

By: Simon McDermott
2011-07-26

Long days at the office can leave us feeling stiff and tired. Hours chained to a desk and computer can hurt our eyes and posture. Over time, if we’re not careful, we can do lasting damage to ourselves.

Try these exercises that you can do while sitting at your desk, and you’ll keep your energy levels up and those aches and pains at bay. Remember to consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any new exercise program.

1. Keeping your shoulders down and back, stretch out your arms as wide as you can. You should feel a pull across your chest. This is great for posture, as we tend to hunch over the computer when we get engrossed in our work.

2. Keeping your heel on the floor, lift the toes on your right foot as high as you can and hold for a few seconds. Repeat ten times and then do the same with your left foot.

3. Stretch one arm out in front of you, hand outstretched as if to stop someone. With your other hand, gently pull your fingers back to stretch your wrist and forearm. Repeat with the other side.

4. Imagine sprinting 100 meters by tapping your feet lightly on the floor as fast as you can. Try for 30 seconds, take a short rest and repeat.

5. Extend and lift your right leg until it’s level with your hip (pointing straight out). Hold this position for as long as you can. Relax and then do the same with your other leg. Try for three times with each leg.

6. With your chest out and tummy in, clench your abdominal muscles and hold for as long as you can. Repeat five times.

It’s important that you find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine to keep you feeling fresh and invigorated.

Do you work out at work? Tell us about your favorite exercises.

About the author
Simon McDermott

Simon McDermott is a writer and editor with an affinity for anything fitness or health related. Born in England, in 1964, Simon moved to Montreal in 1999 and has spent the past decade in publishing—much of it with Reader’s Digest. There, he managed production of Our Canada magazine—this country’s first national reader-written publication. Our Canada remains the most successful magazine launch (circulation) in Canadian publishing history. Simon is married to Melanie, and the couple have a one-year-old boy, Farrell Sebastian. In his spare time, Simon enjoys weight training, running, playing squash and spending time with his family. He also enjoys “experimenting” in the kitchen, though it’s not clear if family and friends “enjoy” the results.

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