10 great stretches you can do at your desk
As students, we spend at least seven hours at school sitting. Whether we are taking notes in history class or are eating a sandwich at lunch, we are always sitting. After a long day of all this sitting, we drive home (more sitting) only to sit some more as we unwind on the sofa watching Netflix or scrolling through Buzzfeed. After getting up for a quick snack, we find ourselves sitting yet again in order to complete our homework: an additional 2-4 hours.
According to a new study, researchers have found that people who sit too much are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer: even if they exercise!
So are you at risk? Use this sitting calculator to find out just how much of your day you spend sitting. The stretches below will help keep your blood flowing without being distracting in class.
The Back Scratcher
Gently pull each elbow to the opposite side over your head. This is great practice for itching those hard to reach places on your back.
The Toe-Tapper
Remaining seated, extend your legs and reach toward your toes. Try to tap your toes if you can.
The Half Bear Hug
Hug one knee at a time, pulling it toward your chest. Squeeze tight and give yourself a pat on the back for all that hard work.
The Extended Knuckle Cracker
Clasp your hands in front of you facing away from the body. Extend your arms and lower your head as you gently crack your knuckles.
The 80’s Aerobic Instructor
Extend each arm overhead and to the opposite side. Imagine a string attached to your fingertips slowly tugging on your arm.
The Shoulder Shrug
Raise both shoulders at once up toward the ears. Drop them and repeat.
The Backwards Extended Knuckle Cracker
Clasp hands behind your back, push the chest outward, and raise the chin.
The Back Twister
Cross your legs and alternate twists toward the back of the chair. Take deep breaths out to enhance this stretch/
The Upward Extended Knuckle Cracker
Clasp hands together above the head, stretching upward.
The Head Roll
Lean your head forward and slowly roll from side to side. Alternate rotations for the optimum stretching experience.
Senior Rachel Anderson has been on Achona since Sophomore year. She attended the CSPA Convention in the fall of 2013 where she presented a workshop on...
