Stretch out


Looking for quick relief from the tension built up after a day at the office? Try these four stretches from Bob Anderson, author of Stretching in the Office (Shelter, 2002). "For some people, [stretching] might help them get more active or maintain an appreciation for their bodies," Anderson says. "For others, if you don't counteract the things that happen to your body from long periods of sitting, you might pay for it later." In addition to limbering up, be sure to hydrate during the day and take time to put your feet up before bedtime to help improve circulation in your legs.

Lengthen your calf muscles, which Anderson says are integral in pumping the blood from your feet. Face a wall and place one foot behind the other, keeping the back leg straight and the front leg bent. Lean into the wall and move your hips forward until you feel the stretch in the calf muscles of your back leg.

Do a groin stretch to release legs that have been crossed or immobile all day. Lie on your back, bend your knees outward, and hold the soles of your feet together. Try placing a pillow under your head and letting gravity gently pull your knees closer to the floor.

Open your chest after hunching over a keyboard for long periods by lying on your back with bent knees and putting your hands beneath your head. Pull your shoulder blades together to create tension in the upper back, then release and pull your head up with your hands to stretch the neck.

Release shoulder tension by lying on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Keep one arm by your side, palm down, and stretch one arm above your head, palm up. Reach in opposite directions and hold for ten seconds before repeating with the other side.


Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2009 Penton Media Inc.


Acceptable Use Policy

blog comments powered by Disqus

Health Centers

Conditions/Treatments

Health Notes

Understand your options to make informed health decisions.

green apple decal

More from Health Notes

Interact with us:

Delicious Living on Facebook Delicious Living on Twitter


Online Resources

HealtheTimes Digital Edition
Read the current Digital Issue of HealtheTimes Magazine filled with healthy articles on ways to Live Naturally!



Organic Connections
Read the new November/December digital issue of Organic Connections here!





Sponsored Editorial Corner

For people suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, the protein can cause symptoms ranging from constipation, diarrhea, or bloating to fatigue, skin rashes, grumpiness, and joint or bone pain. Learn more.

Whether you’re enjoying a chilled gazpacho during summer or a digging into a piping hot stew in January, flavorful soups offer freshness and comfort any time of year. Here are 25 of our favorites.

From your child’s specific supplement needs to healthy food at school and at home, here are the best ways to keep your child focused, resilient, and fit. Learn more about kid's nutrition.