Exercises You Can Do While Sitting In A Chair

Exercises you can do while sitting in a chair can help keep your body operating properly. Sitting in a chair for any prolonged period of time can hinder blood circulation and lead to a variety of health ailments, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Performing a variety of exercises throughout the day will benefit you in critical ways.

Spine and Neck Exercises

Spine rotations will keep both your neck and spine flexible, according to sitandbefit.org. Lengthen your spine by sitting up tall in your chair. Turn to your right as you hook your right arm over the back of the right side of your chair. Reach across your body with your left arm as you rotate your spine. With your arms in this position, turn your neck to look as far back as possible. Turn your eyes as far as possible at the same time. Look forward, then to the left. Gently return your body to the original position. Repeat this exercise to the left side.

Spine stretches can stabilize your spine. While sitting upright in your chair, reach up with your right arm. At the same time, reach down with your left arm. Reach for the sky with your fingertips. Stretch two times. Return your arms to the original position. Repeat this exercise with your left arm reaching towards the sky and your right arm down says sitandbefit.org.

Hand Exercises

Hand circles can be done while sitting in your office chair, according to safecomputingtips.com. Sit up straight while extending your arms to the sides. When straightened, make big circles with both hands. Make the circles as large as possible. Do this exercise 10 times in the clockwise direction. Then, repeat the exercise 10 times in the opposite direction. When your comfort level increases, gradually increase the number of times that you perform this exercise.

Shin Exercises

Toe taps will keep leg circulation flowing while also strengthening your shin muscles. Sit upright in your chair, with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Lift the toes on both of your feet while keeping your heels on the floor. Gently lower your toes back to the floor. Repeat this exercise eight times. Take a short break. Another version of this exercise involves holding your toes up for a second before slowly returning them to the floor, according to sitandbefit.org.

Shoulder Exercises

Shoulder rolls will loosen up your shoulder muscles and joints. This exercise involves sitting upright in your chair to begin with. Do not move your back while you roll your right shoulder in a circle. Move your shoulder forward, up, back and down. Repeat this maneuver four times with each shoulder says sitandbefit.org. To complete this exercise, roll both shoulders at the same time.

Shoulder circles will keep your joints and muscles fluid. While keeping your rib cage lifted, and not slouching, gently lean over the right side of your chair. Let your arm hang down to the floor, keeping it relaxed. Gently begin circling your arm from the shoulder. Your arm will start to circle on its own after you start the movement. Make eight circles in one direction, then eight more in the opposite direction. Repeat this exercise with your left arm and shoulder.