Remaining in the same sedentary position for an extended period of time is one of the worst things an individual can do to their body. Ironically, however, many of us do exactly that from 9 to 5 every single weekday. Working a full time job in an office environment can lead to sitting in essentially the same position at a desk for many hours at one time. This is detrimental not only to physical wellness, but also to mental health. Staying truly active and mobile during our busy lives can be a daunting and difficult task. Do these three yoga positions and stretches at your desk throughout your work day to help stay active and alert.
1. Seated Cat
The Cat pose is one of a fundamental pose used in yoga to relax, focus, and stretch. The Cat pose is traditionally performed alongside the Cow pose to help elongate your spine and stretch your abdomen and back muscles. While this pose is traditionally performed on your hands and knees on the floor, it can be easily modified to work while sitting at your desk. First, sit in your chair with your spine completely straight, your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Next, place your hands on your desk in front of you shoulder-width apart. Now, when you are exhaling, push your spine towards your chair and lean backward in your seat. Let your head drop toward your lap, but do not move your hands from your desk. Hold this position for the remainder of your exhale and begin to straighten your spine as you inhale again.
2. Seated Cow
This should be preformed immediately after the Seated Cat position to help stretch your spine and abs. As you are sitting in the same position that you started in for the Seated Cat pose begin to inhale and start to arch your back, drawing your face toward the ceiling. When you are performing this pose try avoid pushing down with your hands on your desk. This will force you to go deeper into the pose and stretch even further. Work to keep your neck elongated and to hold this pose for the remainder of your inhale. Perform Cat and Cow pose as you inhale and exhale several times in a row. These two poses are easy to perform discretely at your desk and are perfect for getting a thorough stretch during the day…
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