STRETCHING ON THE JOB

By: Jeff Cathrea, B.Sc., Kinesiology

Sitting at a desk or computer; or standing at your work station for extended periods of time can cause muscle tension, stiffness, and strain in the neck, arms, wrists, hands, back, hips and legs.

At the workstation, or on the job, a few minutes of stretching every day can help relieve stress, relax tense muscles and re-energize your day.

Tips for safe stretching:

• Stretch slowly.
• Remember to breathe normally.
• You should feel a gentle stretch in the muscles; sharp pain is a sign of overstretching.
• Hold each stretch for at least 60 seconds, or until you feel the muscle relax.
• Repeat each stretch 1-2 times.
• Avoid bouncing or jerky movements during stretching - be patient and allow the muscles to gently lengthen while you hold the stretch.
• Relax your mind and the rest of your body as much as you can - enjoy the sensation.
• Maintain good posture while stretching - sit up straight, stand tall - see diagrams.

Failing to stretch can make you end up feeling fatigued at work because of inactive muscles. A simple stretching session here and there can be enough to make you feel more energized and can provide you with quick mental breaks, allowing you to be more productive during your work tasks.