Five Yoga Poses You Can do at Your Desk

Your yoga practice doesn’t need to be an hour long to benefit your body and your mind. And we understand that sometimes time gets away from you and you don’t make it to your regular class. So we’ve come up with some simple stretches and exercises you can do at your desk (or in a chair, anywhere). Perfect for when you’re at the office or not able to make it to your yoga mat.

Forward Fold

Forward folds are really calming on the entire system. This is a perfect shape if you’re feeling stressed, or just tense. A very simple shape, it can be done anywhere. With your feet planted on the ground, sit towards the front of your chair. Bring your feet to about hip distance apart. Hinging from the hips, allow yourself to fold as far over your legs as you can. Allow your arms to dangle down and let your chin fall towards your chest. Stay for a few breaths and allow yourself time to slowly unravel to come out.

Figure four

This is a great shape to help open up your hips. With your left foot planted on the ground, place your right ankle on your left knee. Your right knee should be falling towards the ground and out wide to the right. You can stay upright, or if you would like to deepen the stretch in the hips, glutes, and thigh, you can fold your chest forward over your legs. Then repeat on the other side.

Seated Cat Cow

Cat cow is a really nice shape to take if your chest and back are feeling tight. It’s also very simple to do and brings some nice movement into the body after sitting for a long time. Again, place your feet on the ground and take your hands to the front of your knees. Using the support from your hands, as you inhale lift your chest up and forward, then as you exhale round your spine, bringing your chin to your chest. Repeat for as many rounds as you like.

Seated Twist

Twists are a really nice way to get rid of any kinks that build up in your back from sitting all day. They are also nice and calming on the nervous system when done in a more restorative way. Place your feet on the ground, then with a tall spine, take your left hand to your right knee and your right hand to the back of your chair, using your core and a little effort from the hands, twist yourself around to the right hand side. Use your inhale to lengthen the spine towards the ceiling and your exhale to twist deeper. Then repeat on the other side.

Breathing exercises

Yoga doesn’t have to include the asana or movements. You can simply sit and breathe deeply for a few minutes to change how you’re feeling, especially if you’re feeling a little stressed or anxious.

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