DALLAS (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Too much work and not enough exercise is bad for your body. But "deskercise" can keep you fit while you sit!

If you're like most americans, you spend seven and half hours every day sitting at a desk. as each minute ticks by, your body is building tension, your muscles are shortening and your circulation is decreasing.

"Your muscles actually shorten and become tighter, so you are losing your flexibility," says Amy Gillette. Her job as director of program development for Cooper Ventures in Dallas, Texas, keeps her at a desk most hours of the day.

"Definitely has had an effect on the body. I hunch over more, more pressure on the back, hips are tighter, legs are tighter," she says.

Personal trainer David Atkinson from the Cooper Aerobics Center says you can take action!

"It's recommended that you try to be active at least once every hour of being at your desk both physically and visually," says Atkinson. He says "deskercises" should start at the top with 15 seconds of neck rolls.

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

"It's important to keep the forearm muscles moving, keep the wrist joints active and mobile," he says.

Finally, don't neglect the legs. Keep hamstrings long and strong with a simple stretch. Relax the calf with calf raises and ankle rolls.

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

While the exercises aren't a substitute for cardio workouts and strength training, they will burn a few extra calories, which could add up throughout the day.


If you would like more information, please contact:
Amy George
Cooper Aerobic Center
(972) 560-3236
algeorge@cooperaerobics.com