A desk worker shares a positive experience with Yoga With Adriene's 13-minute hip-opening routine, which helped reduce tension, improve mobility, and increase comfort during long hours of sitting, highlighting the benefits of gentle stretching for overall well-being.
A study of 481,688 people over 13 years found that sitting at a desk all day can increase the risk of dying from heart disease by a third and the risk of early death from any cause by 16 percent. However, the risks can be offset by 15 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. The study suggests that employers can help by providing designated areas for physical activity, and incorporating regular breaks in work settings can be beneficial. Not exercising enough has been linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia, and the NHS recommends daily physical activity and strength training at least twice a week.
Sitting for prolonged periods and looking at screens can cause rounded tightness in the neck, back, and shoulders. A six-minute stretch sequence created by trainer Nicole Uribarri can help target these affected areas. The best part: You can actually do this series at your desk, sitting in your chair. This could possibly help establish this stretch as a regular part of your day.
Spending long hours sitting at a desk can lead to poor posture and aches and pains. Bridget O’Carroll, owner and founder of Studio Qila, recommends incorporating mobility exercises into your daily routine to open up and rebalance the strength throughout your body. O’Carroll suggests three go-to mobility moves to open up your chest and pull your shoulders back, which will help prevent your shoulders from creeping up throughout the day. Repeat this circuit two or three times each day, or anytime you catch yourself slouching on the job.