Desk Yoga – Part 2

Since I got some great feedback on my Desk Yoga post a
couple of months I figured I’d share some more great stretches you can do right
at your desk!  Today we’re going to focus
on shoulders.

Strap Shoulder
Stretch

For this pose you can use a yoga strap if you have one, but
let’s assume you don’t – you are sitting at your desk after all!  A towel, or sweater will work just fine!
Bring your right arm up overhead holding the strap/towel/
sweater and bend your elbow so that your hand comes behind your head.  Begin with your left arm at your side and bend
your arm so that your left hand comes to your mid-back, reach for and grab the
strap/towel/sweater and allow the weight of your left hand to gently pull and
open your right shoulder. 
Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side!

Desk Dolphin

Clasp your hands together in front of you and place your
elbows on the desk shoulder distance apart. 
Fold forward and lower your head keeping it in a neutral position until
your back is even with your upper arms. 
For an added stretch drop your clasped hands behind your neck.
Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat.

Seated Half Locust

Clasp your hands behind your back keeping your neck in a
neutral position and your spine long. 
Inhale and lift your hands off your back opening through the chest and
front of the shoulders.  For an added
stretch keep the palms of the hands together.
Hold for 2-3 breaths then change the clasp of the hands
(opposite thumb on top) and repeat.
Just because you spend much of your day sitting at a desk
doesn’t mean you can’t give your shoulders a good stretch!
And if you can get away from you desk I hope you’ll join me
on the mat for yoga at Mashpee Fitness Monday and Thursday mornings at 8:30am!
Namaste
Danielle

Blog post by Danielle Nardi.