Regular desk stretch over the past six months significantly alleviates persistent shoulder discomfort for me
The seated sunbathing stretch, a simple yet effective exercise discovered by an author experiencing shoulder discomfort from a desk job, offers a solution to alleviate tension in tight shoulders. This stretch can be done from any seated position, making it a convenient option for those who spend long hours at their desks.
To perform the seated sunbathing stretch, sit upright and interlock your hands behind your head. Then, open your elbows wide to the sides as if you are sunbathing. You can choose to hold this position upright or gently bend your torso side to side. Maintain the stretch for about 30 seconds while keeping your shoulders relaxed and breathing deeply. For added tension release, you can also include a shoulder shrug – lifting your shoulders up towards your ears.
The seated sunbathing stretch is particularly beneficial because human bodies are not designed to remain static for extended periods. Regular movement and stretching are essential to keep joints lubricated and muscles mobile, reducing stiffness and pain common in desk jobs. This stretch can be repeated multiple times daily, especially if you are unable to take frequent breaks from work.
Helen O'Leary, a physiotherapist at Complete Pilates, emphasises the importance of moving around every 30 minutes to 1 hour to counteract the effects of sitting for long periods. Placing the hands behind the head and opening the elbows wide encourages the upper back to straighten up out of the hunched position while sitting.
By incorporating the seated sunbathing stretch into your daily routine, you can improve shoulder mobility and posture, providing relief from discomfort and promoting a healthier work environment. This stretch can be done while reading an email or taking a breather, making it easy to fit into even the busiest of workdays. So, why not make the seated sunbathing stretch your go-to pose while working at a desk?
Yoga workouts often focus on increasing flexibility, and incorporating the seated sunbathing stretch into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance flexibility in your shoulders. The science behind workplace-wellness programs emphasizes the importance of health-and-wellness practices like fitness-and-exercise amidst static desk jobs. Thus, regularly performing the seated sunbathing stretch can contribute to a more fit and healthy workplace environment.
