Credit-Canva

Credit-Canva

Updated Jan 22, 2025 | 09:57 AM IST

Verified By

Desk Exercises All Corporate Workers Should Know

SummaryDesk yoga, sitting exercises and mobile exercises often seem unnecessary to people. ‘You can just walk or go to a real gym instead of being lazy’ is what they think. But there is a lot more to it then you may think. Simple desk and chair exercises will help you keep healthy even while working long hours.

When you are spending nine to ten hours sitting at a desk, you rarely have any time to yourself as you must do essential chores and get ready for the next day as soon as your workday is over. In this schedule you can see a glaring lack of one of the biggest essentials a person needs, exercising. While you may have a normal weight, there are a barrage of medical problems you can run into when you are an office worker.

Imagine the strain your body is under when you are working for long stretches in a day. Your neck will be stiff and hurting, your back will also feel inflexible, and you will feel a burdening sense of fatigue no matter how much you sleep. This is where desk exercises come into play. While many people believe that doing desk exercises is just lazy, they are the most accessible forms of exercise that you can do anywhere, any time and with minimal or no equipment.

Desk Exercises You Can Do To Avoid Strain

Many studies have shown that being immobile for so long can cause you to develop several health issues and is really bad for your health. Sitting for long stretches is bad for your health because it slows down your metabolism, making it harder for your body to control things like blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight, which can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The poor circulation can also lead to different issues like ankle, neck and joint pain, even blood clots. Here are some exercises you can do, even while sitting.

Chair Squats

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing away from your chair. Lower yourself like you're about to sit, lightly touching the chair, then stand back up. This strengthens your legs and glutes. Repeat 10-15 times.

Arm Circles

Extend your arms out to your sides at shoulder height. Make small circles forward for 15-20 seconds, then reverse the direction. This improves shoulder mobility and gets your blood flowing.

Seated Leg Extensions

Sit tall in your chair and slowly straighten one leg out in front of you. Hold for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Repeat with the other leg. Do 10-15 repetitions on each leg to work your quads.

Seated Neck Circles

Gently drop your chin to your chest and slowly roll your head in a circle, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. This helps relieve neck tension and improves neck mobility. Repeat 5-10 circles in each direction.

Seated Torso Twists

Sit up straight, place your hands on your shoulders, and gently twist your upper body to the left, then to the right. This helps improve spinal mobility and stretches your back muscles. Repeat 10-15 times on each side.

Chair Dips

Sit on the edge of your chair, place your hands on the seat beside you, and slide your hips forward. Lower your body by bending your elbows, then push back up. This strengthens your triceps and shoulders. Aim for 8-12 repetitions.

Desk Push-Ups

Place your hands shoulder-width apart on your desk. Step back so your body forms a straight line. Lower your chest towards the desk, then push back up. This strengthens your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Aim for 8-12 repetitions.

Standing Calf Raises

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Rise up onto your toes, lifting your heels off the ground, then lower back down. This strengthens your calf muscles and improves ankle stability. Repeat 15-20 times.

Desk Plank

Place your forearms on your desk, shoulder-width apart, and step back until your body forms a straight line. Engage your core and hold this position for 30-60 seconds. This strengthens your core and improves posture.

Ankle Circles

While sitting, lift one foot off the ground and make circles with your ankle, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. This improves ankle flexibility and circulation in your lower legs. Repeat 10-15 circles in each direction per foot.

End of Article