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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Break Room

17 Desk Stretches That'll (Almost) Replace Going to the Gym

I live on the web, so I’m not unfamiliar with all the studies on the “sitting disease.” Nor am I unfamiliar with the the slightly horrifying graphics that show its health hazards—including sore necks, muscle degeneration, and foggy brains. And yet, when it comes to telling myself to step away from my desk and go to the gym, I simply can’t do it.

That’s why I’m excited to have stumbled upon these 17 desk stretches from Officevibe, a company committed to giving organizations the tools they need to become amazing workplaces. These stretches will in no way have the same effect as going to the gym a few times a week, but doing a few every day is much better than sitting hunched over at your desk for hours-long periods. From the “One Arm Hug” to the “Proposal” to the “Ballerina” to the “Knee-Jerk,” there are more than enough stretches to add to your routine.

You know what they say: A few desk stretches a day keeps the doctor (farther) away.


Infographic courtesy of Officevibe. Photo of man stretching courtesy of Shutterstock.