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.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this great upper back stretch.

 

 

The Toe-Tapper

Remaining seated, extend your legs and reach toward your toes. Try to tap your toes if you can.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrating this great leg stretch.

 

 

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.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrating this great hip stretch.

 

 

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.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this easy stretch. Great for you shoulders, back and fingers.

 

 

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.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this stretch, great for your back after sitting in a hard desk all day.

 

The Shoulder Shrug

Raise both shoulders at once up toward the ears. Drop them and repeat.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this stretch which is great to release tension in your shoulders.

 

The Backwards Extended Knuckle Cracker

Clasp hands behind your back, push the chest outward, and raise the chin.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates another stretch great for your back, shoulders, and fingers.

 

The Back Twister

Cross your legs and alternate twists toward the back of the chair. Take deep breaths out to enhance this stretch/

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this stretch which is sure to crack any sore back.

 

The Upward Extended Knuckle Cracker

Clasp hands together above the head, stretching upward.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates this stretch which is yet another great way to stretch your shoulders, back, and fingers.

 

The Head Roll

Lean your head forward and slowly roll from side to side. Alternate rotations for the optimum stretching experience.

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Freshman Julianna Wright demonstrates the classic head roll to relax her neck after a long day of doing desk work.