Take a quick break to reset your posture and counter desk fatigue.
Shoulder Rolls
Duration: 00:30
Roll your shoulders to release tension and bring warmth into your upper back and neck.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit or stand tall with shoulders relaxed.
- Lift your shoulders up toward your ears, then roll them back and down in a circular motion.
- Repeat for several reps, then reverse the direction.
Tips
- Keep the motion smooth and fluid to avoid neck strain.
- Relax your neck and look forward while you move.
Adjustments
- Make smaller circles or simply lift and lower the shoulders if that feels better.
Overhead Reach
Duration: 00:30
Reach skyward to lengthen your spine and wake up the shoulders with a simple overhead stretch.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with arms relaxed by your sides.
- Sweep your arms out and up overhead, interlacing your fingers with palms facing up.
- Reach toward the ceiling while relaxing your shoulders downward.
Tips
- Lengthen through your spine to create extra space between vertebrae.
Adjustments
- Keep hands shoulder-width apart if interlacing feels uncomfortable.
- Gently lean side to side for an added stretch along your ribcage.
Side Bend
Duration: 00:30
Reach overhead and bend sideways to stretch your obliques and lats with control.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with arms relaxed at your sides.
- Raise one arm overhead while the opposite hand rests on your hip.
- Gently bend to the side, reaching over with the lifted arm and keeping your torso facing forward.
Tips
- Relax your shoulders and avoid hunching as you bend.
- Keep your seat grounded so the stretch stays in your side body.
Adjustments
- Place your hand on the side of your head instead of reaching overhead if shoulders feel tight.
Cactus Arms
Duration: 00:30
Open your chest with strong cactus arms to counter all that desk time and wake up your upper back.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit or stand tall with arms relaxed by your sides.
- Lift your arms to shoulder height, bend elbows to ninety degrees, and turn palms forward.
- Keep elbows level with shoulders while squeezing shoulder blades together to open the chest.
Tips
- Draw shoulders away from your ears so the neck stays long.
- Gaze straight ahead and breathe into the stretch across your chest.
Adjustments
- Lower the elbows slightly if the shoulders feel cranky.
- Stand against a wall to help you maintain alignment.
Neck Flex
Duration: 00:30
Move your head gently between looking up and nodding down to keep your neck supple and relaxed.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit or stand tall with shoulders relaxed.
- Slowly tilt your head backward to gaze toward the ceiling, pausing for a breath.
- Return to center and gently lower your chin toward your chest, feeling the stretch along the back of your neck.
- Flow between the two positions with ease for several repetitions.
Tips
- Keep shoulders heavy and relaxed throughout.
- Move slowly to avoid straining the neck muscles.
Adjustments
- Limit the range of motion if you experience any discomfort, and stop if dizziness appears.
Neck Roll
Duration: 00:30
Roll your head gently side to side to release tension through your neck and shoulders.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with shoulders relaxed.
- Lower your chin toward your chest, then roll your head toward one shoulder so the ear hovers over it.
- Return through center and repeat toward the other shoulder, continuing in a slow rhythm.
Tips
- Move slowly to avoid strain or dizziness.
- Stop short of full circles to keep the neck happy.
Adjustments
- Keep the range of motion smaller if you experience discomfort.
Neck Laterals
Duration: 00:30
Tilt your head side to side to release tightness along your neck and upper traps.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with shoulders relaxed and one hand resting on your chair or thigh for support.
- Tilt your head toward one shoulder, lowering your ear toward it.
- Place the opposite hand on the side of your head for a light assist, then switch sides halfway through.
Tips
- Keep both shoulders soft and away from your ears.
Adjustments
- Skip using your hand if the weight of your head provides enough stretch.
Diver
Duration: 00:30
Dive forward with rounded shoulders to stretch the upper back and give your spine a gentle release.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with arms resting by your sides and feet grounded.
- Reach both arms forward, stacking one hand on top of the other.
- Tuck your head between your arms, round through the upper back, and reach forward like a diver slicing into water.
Tips
- Keep your core lightly engaged so the stretch stays controlled.
- Let the shoulders spread wide to feel the stretch across your upper back.
Adjustments
- Rest your forearms on your thighs if you need extra support during the fold.
Sit tall, soften your jaw, and return to work with better alignment.
