Do you find yourself hunched over a screen for hours at a time? Does your back ache, or do you experience neck and shoulder pain from sitting in a desk chair for long periods? You are not alone! Many of us have experienced physical discomfort from prolonged sitting. However, there is a solution that requires no fancy gear or equipment; desk yoga. Desk yoga is a simple, effective way to stretch and move your body while at work. In this blog, we will explore what desk yoga is, the benefits, and several moves to try out today!
What is Desk Yoga?
Put simply, desk yoga is a series of stretching and movement exercises that can be done while seated at your desk or workstation. Chair yoga, office yoga, or deskercise are alternate names for this wellness trend. Desk yoga typically includes gentle poses that can be done anytime throughout the day. The best part about desk yoga is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing. All you need is a quiet, comfortable space to work in and perhaps a few minutes of free time.
Benefits of Desk Yoga
Practicing desk yoga has numerous benefits for the mind and body, including improved posture, reduced tension, and fatigue relief. When you practice desk yoga during your workday, you will likely notice a positive improvement in your concentration, focus, and mood. The benefits are similar to traditional yoga, which can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, increased flexibility, and improved range of motion.
Moves to Try Today
Desk yoga can be practiced in a variety of ways. The following are some simple moves to try out. As you practice these positions, remember to work within your range of motion while maintaining a comfortable pace. Always listen to your body to avoid over-stressing your muscles, tendons, or joints.
Seated Spinal Twist
Begin seated at your desk with both feet on the ground, knees lined up with your hips. Then, slowly twist your body toward the left, placing your left hand on the back of your chair and your right-hand resting on your knee. Hold for a count of ten then repeat on the opposite side.
Neck Stretches
Sit up straight and place your left hand on the right side of your head. Gently pull your head down and to the left, feeling the stretch in your neck. Hold for a count of ten. Then switch sides and repeat.
Seated Forward Fold
From a seated position, extend your legs out in front of you. With a straight back, hinge forward from your hips until you feel a gentle stretch along your hamstrings. Hold for five counts; then relax and return to an upright position.
Desk yoga is a fantastic way to incorporate some movement and stretching into your workday. By focusing on your breathing and movement, you can reduce stress and increase your physical well-being. Practicing desk yoga requires only a few minutes of your time and can help you stay healthy, focused, and productive. Try out these simple desk yoga moves at work, and you will be surprised by the difference they make.
Aaptiv offers a wide range of meditation and yoga classes, catering to different time constraints. Whether you can spare just 5 minutes or a full 30 minutes, you can always find a moment to step away from your desk and take a refreshing break.
Aaptiv as an Employee Wellness Offering
Aaptiv offers an all-in-one employee wellness solution that includes personalized workout plans, access to a network of 17,000 national and local gyms, and over 8,000 on-demand fitness and mindfulness classes. With PEAR’s Training Intelligence, Aaptiv’s adaptive coaching helps users stay motivated and engaged with their exercise routine. As users progress through their workouts, it adapts to their performance in real-time, providing feedback and adjustments to ensure they are getting the most out of their workout. This hyper-personalized approach can help employees achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health and well-being.