A Case for Comfort Part 2: Desk Exercises for Fatigued Office Professionals

This article is sponsored by Steelcase Store, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow and provider of advanced-performance work furniture for home and business.

As I write this, I'm temporarily distracted by the dull pain that's shooting from my shoulders to my lower back. Maybe it's the result of a few too many pushups at the gym last night or the byproduct of a computer bag that weighs close to five tons. Or, perhaps the explanation for my discomfort is entirely different; maybe my posture's just bad.

Regardless of the reason for my back pain, it's important that I find ways to relieve it. And, even though I've been known to pop painkillers from time to time, I'm not a big fan of pharmaceutical remedies. My personal go-to method: Gentle stretching. And, according to the pros at Steelcase, it turns out that my rationale is right on.

Office Ergo-cises

After heavily researching office ergonomics and conducting numerous studies, Steelcase experts have developed four specific stretches for fatigued office professionals. These periodic stretches can improve circulation, reduce tension, and help relieve the kind of muscle stress that can build up from working at the same position for long periods of time. Try one (or all!) of them now:

• Exercise #1: Hold your right leg just below the knee and hug it to your chest. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

• Exercise #2: Lean forward to touch your toes. Hold for five to 10 seconds, and then slowly return to an upright position.

• Exercise #3: Extend your right leg and point your toes directly ahead. Slowly flex your ankle until your toes point straight ahead, and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat five times. Or rotate your ankle in each direction 10 revolutions. Repeat with your left leg.

• Exercise #4: Extend your arms overhead and clasp your left hand with your right hand. Keeping your arms fairly straight, gently pull your left arm to the right and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat with your other side.

Quite the Stretch

Health experts have long lauded the importance of stretching. And for good reason! From increasing our range of motion to providing temporary pain relief, stretching does wonders for the body. So, the next time you feel your back begin to throb or your legs begin to stiffen, consider performing these fantastic stretches. Most likely, you'll be feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated in no time.

If you missed any part of this series, don't worry! You can catch up whenever it's convenient for you. The articles are always available right here on OfficeArrow. With over 30 tips for creating the perfect ergonomic workspace, you can say "goodbye" to aches and pains once and for all.

And a great, big "thank you" goes out to Steelcase for providing all of this wonderful information. When it comes to ergonomics, Steelcase truly supports you!

Steelcase has been providing easy access to advanced-performance work furniture since 1912. For consumers and businesses who value design, comfort and convenience, the Steelcase Store has it all.