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5 Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body

Are you one of the thousands of desk warriors out there, battling the daily grind with your trusty computer as your weapon? In this digital age, it seems like we’re all spending more time hunched over our desks, glued to screens, and lost in the virtual world.

But have you ever stopped to think about what this sedentary lifestyle is doing to your body? It’s time to take a closer look.

Numerous studies have shown that desk workers often suffer from a myriad of health issues, from poor posture to decreased mobility. And let’s not forget about the aches and pains that seem to creep up after hours of sitting. It’s as if our bodies are screaming, “Hey, give me a break!”

When we don’t give our bodies the activity they crave, things start to go awry. Muscles tighten up, blood flow becomes sluggish, and our energy levels plummet. 

Fortunately, there is hope! When efficient desk stretches are added to your daily routine, it becomes a game-changer. These simple movements can work wonders in alleviating tension, combating stiffness, and giving your body the love and attention it deserves. 

In this blog post, we’re going to unveil a treasure trove of effective stretches that will bid farewell to those pesky desk-related aches and pains. Get ready to un-desk your body and reclaim that vibrant, flexible self!


Quick Stretches for Desk Workers

Neck and Shoulder Stretches

Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body - Neck and Shoulder Stretch

Neck and shoulders—the eternal victims of desk work. But a few movements will melt away that tension and leave you feeling as light as a feather.

Neck and shoulder stretches are a simple yet effective way to release the built-up stress in those areas. These stretches may seem simple, but don’t underestimate their power! By giving your neck and shoulders a little TLC, you’ll alleviate tension, reduce those nagging headaches, and unleash a newfound sense of relaxation.

Here’s how you can do them:

  • Sit up straight in your chair, like the posture pro that you are.
  • Gently drop your right ear towards your right shoulder, making sure to keep your left shoulder relaxed and grounded.
  • Feel that lovely stretch along the side of your neck. Hold it there for 15-30 seconds and enjoy the sensation.
  • Now, slowly return your head to the center and repeat the stretch on the other side. Left ear to the left shoulder.
  • Feel free to repeat this stretch 2-3 times on each side, depending on how much love your neck and shoulders need.

Chest Opening Stretches

Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body - Chest Opening Stretches

Let’s talk about your posture. Hours of desk work can leave you in a hunched forward position as if you’re constantly racing toward your computer screen. But chest opening stretches are here to save the day and bring balance back to your upper body.

By practicing chest opening stretches, you’ll counteract that pesky forward posture, improve your breathing, and give yourself an instant confidence boost.

To perform the chest opener stretch:

  • Stand up tall, or sit on the edge of your chair if you prefer.
  • Interlace your fingers behind your back, with your palms facing inward.
  • Take a deep breath in and gently straighten your arms, lifting them away from your body.
  • As you do this, feel your chest expanding and your shoulders gently rolling back.
  • Hold this empowering stretch for 15-30 seconds and let that sensation of openness sink in.
  • Release your arms and feel the newfound freedom in your chest and shoulders.

Spinal Twists

Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body - Spinal Twists

The spine is an unsung hero of our body. But sitting for long hours can leave it feeling a little cranky. That’s where spinal twists come to the rescue, offering a delightful release and promoting mobility in your back.

Spinal twists are like a much-needed wringing out of your back muscles, releasing tension and promoting that oh-so-important spinal mobility. So go ahead and give your spine a little twist.

Here’s the lowdown on spinal twists:

  • Stay seated in your chair, keeping that superhero posture intact.
  • Place your right hand on the outside of your left knee, and gently twist your upper body to the left.
  • As you twist, feel your spine elongating and your torso rotating. Breathe into the stretch and find your sweet spot.
  • Hold this magical twist for 15-30 seconds, soaking in all that delicious stretchiness.
  • Release the twist and switch sides. Left hand on the outside of your right knee, and twist to the right. 
  • Repeat the twist 2-3 times on each side. Your spine will thank you for the love and attention.

Hip Flexor Stretches

Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body - Hip Flexor Stretches

Time to show some love to those hips. Hours of sitting can leave your hip flexor muscles tight and grumpy. But with hip flexor stretches, you’ll combat that tightness, improve your hip mobility, and say goodbye to any lingering discomfort caused by excessive sitting. Your hips will be dancing with joy!

Here’s how you can tackle those tight hips:

  • Stand up tall and take a step forward with your right foot.
  • Bend your right knee and let your left knee gently lower towards the ground, maintaining a stable and balanced stance.
  • Feel that gentle stretch in the front of your left hip.
  • Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds and let your hips soak up the goodness.
  • Switch sides and give your right hip the same delightful treatment.
  • You can repeat this stretch 2-3 times on each side, depending on how much your hips crave the sweet relief.

Forward Folds

Stretches to “Un-desk” Your Body -Forward Folds

Forward folds are a heavenly stretch that targets the lower back and hamstrings, releasing tension and promoting flexibility and relaxation. 

These stretches provide you with a moment of tranquility in the midst of your workday. So go ahead, take that forward-fold vacation—you deserve it!

To execute the forward fold stretch:

  • Sit towards the edge of your chair, with your feet hip-width apart and firmly planted on the ground.
  • Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly hinge forward from your hips, reaching towards your toes.
  • Let your head and neck relax, and feel the gentle stretch in your lower back and the backs of your legs.
  • If you can, allow your hands to rest on the floor or grab onto your ankles or shins.
  • Hold this serene fold for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply and enjoying the sweet stretch.
  • Rise back up slowly, vertebra by vertebra, and savor the newfound suppleness in your back and hamstrings.

Tips for Better “Un-desk” Stretching Routine

We’re going to show you how to start and maintain a stretching routine right at your desk. Don’t worry, you won’t need a fancy yoga studio or a dedicated workout space. Here are some simple tips to guide you:

Find Your Space

First things first, clear a small area around your workspace. Move aside any coffee mugs, scattered papers, or snacks. Creating a clutter-free zone will give you the freedom to move and groove without any obstacles.

Time It Right

Aim to take short breaks every hour or so. Set a reminder on your phone or use a handy app to prompt you to step away from the screen. These breaks are your golden opportunity to give your body some love and attention. 

Mix and Match

Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for stretching! Don’t stick to just one or two stretches; keep it interesting by mixing and matching different moves. Not only will this prevent boredom, but it will also target various muscle groups and ensure a more balanced approach.

Breathe Deeply

Don’t forget the power of your breath. Deep, mindful breathing can enhance the benefits of each stretch, helping to relax your mind and release tension from your body. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand, and exhale slowly through your mouth, letting go of any stress or tension.

Listen to Your Body

Stretching is all about honoring your body and listening to its signals. If you ever experience discomfort or sharp pain during a stretch, it’s a sign to ease up or skip that particular move. We’re all unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, find your own rhythm and respect your comfort zone.


Final Note

We’ve explored the wonders of stretching and how it can be a game-changer for those of us trapped in our desks. By incorporating these stretches into your daily routine, you’ll bid farewell to tension, stiffness, and discomfort. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel like a rejuvenated version of yourself.

But let’s not stop there! The key to maintaining a healthy and happy body while desk-bound is to make movement a regular part of your day. Take regular breaks to stretch, walk around, and give your body the activity it craves. 

Embrace the power of these simple actions, and watch as your energy, posture, and overall well-being soar to new heights.

Tricia Montano

Tricia founded Pain Free Working in 2019 due to suffering from degenerative disc disease in her L5-S1 from working an office job for the past 18 years. She and her team strive on finding and reviewing the best office equipment to help fellow pain sufferers find relief and to enable people like her to do their jobs comfortably.