Medical Reports: Healthcast: Deskercise

WSVN -- Typing, talking, taking notes. Just another average workday for the typical American, but while we're busy earning money, our bodies are being neglected.

Amy Gillette: "Your muscles actually shorten and become tighter, so you are losing your flexibility."

Amy Gillette once spent her days working in a gym. Now she sits behind a desk and says she can feel the difference.

Amy Gillette: "Definitely has an effect on my body. I hunch over more, more pressure on the back."

But personal trainer David Atkinson says you can take action.

David Atkinson: "It's recommended that you try to be active at least once every hour of being at your desk both physically and visually."

Atkinson says deskercises should start at the top with 15 seconds of neck rolls.

David Atkinson: "Specifically working with the neck is key because that generally causes the migraine headaches."

Next, shoulder rolls and back squeezes keep the circulation moving and forearm stretches help keep carpal tunnel syndrome at bay.

David Atkinson: "It's important to keep the forearm muscles moving, keep the wrist joints active and mobile."

Finally, don't forget the legs. Keep hamstrings long and strong with this simple stretch and relax the calf with calf raises and ankle rolls.

David Atkinson: "It's the furthest extremity from the body, so it gets the weakest and most tense."

While the exercises aren't a substitute for those workouts at the gym, they will burn a few extra calories, which could add up throughout the day.

Christine Cruz: "Another tip: You can also work your abs without getting up from your desk. Just focus on keeping your stomach muscles tight while you're sitting in front of that computer."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Amy George
Cooper Aerobic Center
(972) 560-3236
algeorge@cooperaerobics.com