Stretch Break! Seated Chair Twist

The weekly Stretch Break! is created to provide a bit of relief during an otherwise stressful day. Sometimes you don’t have time to get away from your desk – I understand.  At the same time, moving your body and relieving the physical tension that builds is critical to not only your health but your ability to focus and remain productive. If you’re in pain, where is your focus?  Most likely on the pain and not on your work.

Each week I’ll post a short video or audio designed to help you relieve stress by introducing you to a variety of techniques you can use right from your desk.  No more excuses!  Because I believe what you do before and after work counts, too, some of these breaks will include activities you can do to start your day or a nice way to finish the day.  Have a suggestion? Let me know.

In this week’s Stretch Break! I share simple seated chair twist – perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to get up from their desks but still want to stretch and move a little during the day.

Remember, these are created for the average healthy adult.  Please consult a physician before starting this or any exercise or movement based program.

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Stretch Break! Cat/Cow Back Stretch

In this week’s Stretch Break! I guide you through a common, simple yet effective stretch for the back and shoulders called Cat/Cow.  Note: This is NOT a desk stretch! You will need a little floor space.   This stretch is great in the morning to wake up the spine after a night’s sleep or to get the spine moving again after a long day.  Always remember to breathe and take it at your own pace.

Moving forward the Stretch Break! will include stretches for the morning, evening, after a workout or that you can easily do at your desk or at work. The goal is to make it easy for you to relieve tension during the day, stretch out tight muscles, “relax” for a minute or two and take care of your body.

As always, these are informational videos, designed for the average healthy adult. Always consult your physician before starting this or any other movement based exercise.

Stretching, moving the body and relieving muscle tension is feel good living.

Enjoy. (Still working on the podcast/iTunes availability. Will let you know when available!)

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FGL Stretch Break! Post-Bike Ride (or anytime) Stretch

The Stretch Break! is back after a summer hiatus.  A new stretch will be posted each Wednesday.  In this Stretch Break! I demonstrate four simple stretches for the chest & shoulders, hamstrings, quads and lower back. Perfect for after a bike ride (or anytime, really).  This video is slightly longer than previous clips, but still less than 10 minutes.  I often talk to runners, bikers and other athletes who spend so much time on their sport they leave little time to stretch.  Stretching helps ease tension in tight muscles, saving you from injury and keeping you strong and healthy.

Whether you are a biker or just need to stretch the muscle groups demonstrated in this video, I hope you give your body some love and a stretch! It just feels good.

As always, these are informational videos, designed for the average healthy adult. Always consult your physician before starting this or any other movement based exercise.

Having trouble viewing this video?  Click here.

I’m working to create an iTunes podcast feed so you can easily bring these stretch breaks wherever you go! Stay tuned.

Stretch Break! For your wrists

Welcome to the weekly Stretch Break! this week for your wrists.  If you sit at a computer during the day, this is the perfect stretch break for you.  A quick, easy, painless tension release and stretch for your wrists. You don’t even have to leave your chair and it takes about 2 minutes!  Your wrists deserve a break, too!

As always the Stretch Break! is designed for the average healthy person.  Please consult a physician before starting this or any other exercise program.

Having trouble viewing the video?  Click here to view directly.

Stretch Break! For your Face

Welcome back to the weekly Stretch Break! Today’s stretch is for your face.  Do you ever notice you clench your jaw or furrow your brow when you’re thinking or involved deeply in a project?  It’s important to relieve tension from the face to keep your skin smooth, and wrinkles away. Not to mention, it just plain feels good and helps you relax all over.

This one is a little silly, get ready to open your mouth wide.  It is one of my favorites, though, and at the very least you’ll get a good laugh.

As always, remember the Stretch Break! is designed for the average healthy person.  Please consult a physician before beginning this or any exercise program.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to view directly.