Working out at work

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’m new, so apologies if this thread has already come up!

I’m an office worker, and unfortunately I have to sit on my bum for ten hours a day. I think this really affects the quality of my yoga practise.

I nearly always sit cross-legged in my chair, or in half lotus and I try to stretch my legs a bit my pointing and flexing my toes out in front of me all day.

Anyway - without making a spectacle of myself, I wondered if you had other ways I could stay supple and a bit more active at work so that my inactivity stops affecting my practise.

Thanks loads!

#2

Hell Hanu.

No appolgies necessary - presuming you used the forum’s “Search” function before asking :eek:

For what you are particularly asking - the hip flexors remaining in a shortened, though not contacted, state for hours at a time (sitting)…

The pose known as Vanarasana would be helpful, though the hands are placed on the floor beneath the sternum rather than as shown. I suppose you could do other sorts of lunges. The point however would be to lengthen the hip flexors of the back leg.

There are other ways but you might risk making a spectacle of yourself.

gordon

#3

Thanks Gordon! I don’t mind making a bit of a spectacle, but it’s a Middle Eastern office, and it’s considered a bit wild just to show your shoulders, so I try and be a bit careful…

I didn’t use the search function. Whoops. Very new to this forum business!

#4

Hanu,

Have you considered a standing work station? Raising you monitor to around eye level. Ahhhhh

siva

#5

Try this routine: http://duckys.ab.ca/Office_Yoga.doc

#6

@siva

that was funny. hahaha or were you serious? ;p

#7

completely serious,

You can still have a taller seat for sitting, like a stool type seat, but having the option to stand can make a huge difference in life. Also, get an evaluation of how high your monitor is.

siva

#8

don’t think siva is joking. some people in my office have a sit-stand desk. it can be adjusted so that the table can be used while seated or while standing. it raises computer to eye level when standing.

#9

Get into a yoga posture on the dot every hour. A watch with an hourly chime would help.

#10

just standing up every hour and doing a few hip rotations, leg stretches, arm rotations wll definitely help and is recommended for any office worker.

#11

Be inventive and adapt yoga postures to the office. You can do modified versions, of camel, seated twist, standing forward bend, warrior, child’s pose and so much more!

#12

Anjali is right - adjust poses for the office. I worked in the cubical and could do yoga all day:) also set a reminder on your computer (every hour or two) so you remember to stretch. If you have a chance - find a reason to go to other department, or whatever to get a little walk:)