Quick Stretches Help to Make Your Day

If you are in the majority of the population whose daily routine consists of sitting at a desk or standing in one spot most of the time, may I recommend a few quick stretches to loosen you up. Our bodies need a break from this type of schedule every two hours or so to avoid stiffening of muscles with other attendant problems.

• Place hands shoulder-width apart on wall, stand with feet directly below hips and bend knees, lower head between arms and hold stretch for 10-15 seconds
• Stand and place hands just above the back of the hip bones with the elbows back, gently press forward and slightly lift breastbone upward while holding the stretch, hold for 10-15 seconds
• Stand with feet pointed straight ahead – a little more than shoulder-width apart, bend right knee slightly and move left hip downward toward right knee, hold stretch for 10-15 seconds, repeat on the other side while holding onto a chair or other solid support if necessary
• Stand up straight with feet, hips and shoulders in a straight line, stretch hands high above the head while raising up on tiptoes and try to reach the ceiling

Above information from Getting in Shape by Bob Anderson, Ed Burke and Bill Pearl – if you would like a copy of their complete recommendation for ‘On the Job’ exercising, e-mail us at requests@drstevenray.net with “On the Job Exercises” in the Subject line.

It’s never too late to start getting in better shape, so start today with stretching at work – I’m doing it, too!

Getting rid of your pain,

Dr. Steven Ray, Chiropractor

Val Vista Chiropractic