Work it! Exercises for Computer Users

If you sit at a desk all day, chances are good that the muscles in the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades are a little achy by the end of your work day.  A lot of the time our inclination is to stretch sore, tired muscles,  but that can do more harm than good…

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Nose-to-Armpit Levator Stretch

This stretch targets the muscle that shrugs your shoulders, the Levator Scapulae.  It attaches to the top of your shoulder-blade, and to the sides of the uppermost bones of the neck.  To stretch, first side-bend your head away from the side you want to stretch, and hold for a couple of breaths.  Secure the arm…

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Through-the-Doorway Pectoral Stretch

The pectorals are the largest chest muscles, and they tend to be tight on almost everyone, especially if you spend long hours at a computer.  This stretch can give you relief from upper back & neck pain, which are often sore due to the opposing pull of the pecs.  Simply position yourself in an open…

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V-Sit Adductor Stretch

This stretch targets the muscles of the inner thigh, which can get tight if you’re in the habit of crossing your legs, or when there’s weakness of the muscles of the buttock.  To stretch them, simply sit with your legs straight in front of you, then open your legs into a V until you feel…

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Runner’s Lunge Hip Flexor Stretch

An absolute must for runners and lovers of high-heels.  Stand with feet at hip width.  While the leg you want to stretch stays in place, take a large step forward with the opposite leg, bending the knee so that it is directly above the ankle.  Lower the back leg so the knee comes toward the…

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Standing Quadriceps Stretch

Target the front of the thigh to relieve knee and low back pain.  Stand with feet just at hip width.  Bend the knee of the side you want to stretch so that your heel comes up toward your buttock.  Use a towel roll tucked behind the knee to open up the joint. Grasp the foot…

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Thread-the-Needle Piriformis Stretch

This stretch is essential if you spend all day on your feet, or suffer from hip pain or sciatica.  Start in hook-lying position: on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.  On the side you want to stretch, turn your knee out, and cross your ankle across the opposite knee.  …

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