Movement is essential in maintaining mobility in your body. Sitting at a desk all day can compromise this and even typing and using your mouse repeatedly can cause long-term damage to your body.

In an effort to combat this, we asked Pilates instructor Katrina Ward from Elixr Health Clubs to share a minute of movement you can do at your desk without drawing too much attention from your boss... 


Wrist rolls

Start by gently rolling your wrists in both directions, then give them a stretch in a flexed position; this helps to counteract the extended position they’re often in when you're typing or texting.

Spinal rotation and movement

For this movement, be sure to keep your pelvis stable and gently rotate through your spine from one side to the other. Following on from that, keep your bottom pressed evenly into your chair and reach down through one arm towards the floor. Repeat on the other side, making sure not to move your pelvis.

Neck stretch

Hold on to the side of your chair with your left hand and tilt your head to the right, then repeat on the other side. This is a great release for those often overworked neck muscles.

Shoulder and chest stretches

Finally, reach behind your chair with both hands and clasp them if you can, or hold on to the bottom of your chair and open up through the front of your shoulders and chest.

Remember to take frequent breaks away from your desk; get up and walk around or grab a cup of tea or glass of water. These little breaks combined with this minute of movement will have your body feeling better each day.

© Prevention Australia
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