I have been doing some of these stretches for a very long time. My Speech Language Pathologist (aka: Speech Therapist) who I have been seeing for a few months in an attempt to get my voice back, also gave me a sheet of exercises to do that is titled, 'Relaxation Exercises' & it includes several of Coach Nicole's stretching exercises. Regardless of what they are, they definitely do work. Now all I need are some exercises to strengthen my arms & legs.
PS: Does the first video not work? - 10/2/2012   1:08:57 PM

Thanks Nicole this is a very common hazard and your exercises and advice are very good. They are practical so i'm adjusting my lifestyle to include them. - 7/24/2012   2:17:42 AM

Dahlea - thanks for reminding us also how important it is to breathe deeply. I recommend stopping at least once an hour and just breathe deeply for one minute. You'd be surprised at how much of a difference this makes.
And Kat573 - when you're on your feet all day it's important to stretch your hamstrings so whenever you have a minute, place one foot up on a chair or shelf near your register, bring the other leg back as far as you can and lean forward. Make sure that your bent knee stays above your ankle and doesn't travel out over your toes. When you do this feel the stretch all along the back of your leg. Repeat on the other side. Also do these when you get your breaks. It will keep your legs from cramping up. - 5/25/2012   10:53:07 AM

Could you please use someone that is a little longer in the tooth and a little more skin...maybe a lot of skin... on the bones to show us how to do these exercises? For a site that is for those of use who do not weigh 99 pounds, you never have anyone built like us doing anything on here? How are we supposed to imagine ourselves doing this..when we see a young, strong, healthy, no handicaps, skinny, physically fit person doing this..none of which 99.9% of us aren't!!!! - 5/24/2012   5:01:46 PM

I can no longer work because of cancer, and my mobility is limited. I am going to try these stretches though, I think they will be good for me. - 5/24/2012   12:23:34 PM

I tried it and it really does work. - 5/24/2012   10:05:50 AM

These are all really good stretches. Another one I really like is to walk around behind your chair, bend from the hips and place your hands on the back of the chair so your upper body is 90 degrees from your legs (jackknife position) and push your tailbone away. This is a great stretch for your back. if your chair is on wheels, use your desk so it doesn't move away from you. - 5/24/2012   8:48:39 AM

Thank you! I'll definitely try these.
I spend a lot of time sitting during the day. I try to compensate by using a 'backstretcher', a wooden arc one can lie down on, for a few minutes per day. - 5/24/2012   4:59:25 AM

These are perfect for me. I sit most of the day at the computer and try to get up often. These stretches will definitely help. Thanks. - 5/24/2012   12:39:04 AM

I have a job where I am on my feet, with little movement, often on concrete for 4-5 hours at a time. I have learned that a couple of minutes of stretching is key to my comfort throughout the day. It also acts as a time where I can relax and breath deeply. - 5/23/2012   11:42:47 PM

I appreciate these ideas. Even just sitting at home at the computer for a couple hours and you need to be stretching. Thank you! - 5/23/2012   10:44:27 PM

Thanks for this, but how do you compensate if you have a rotary cuff injury. - 5/23/2012   1:48:47 PM

Very helpful!! - 5/23/2012   1:07:57 PM

Very helpful. These stretches also help me to relax when something has me stressed out. Thanks! - 5/23/2012   12:53:44 PM

What do you suggest for very active jobs, where you stand and move and also bear weights etc such as cashier? Thanks! - 5/23/2012   11:07:53 AM

Very helpful!! - 5/23/2012   10:56:14 AM

I recently started fostering cats and kittens for the local shelter, so they help me throughout my work day with getting up and not being sedentary at my desk all day, since I work from home when I am not traveling. When I am traveling though, I do make it a point to sit tall in my chair (even on plane flights, stretching my hands up to reach the overhead console) and completing periodic stretches of my neck, shoulders, back and lower legs. - 5/23/2012   9:48:32 AM

Thanks for the easy stretches. I'm at a desk all day and really need to do those often. - 5/23/2012   9:39:40 AM

Thanks for this exercise. - 5/23/2012   9:29:42 AM

Very good reminder - thank you!
- 5/23/2012   9:17:39 AM

Thanks for the information. - 5/23/2012   8:52:53 AM

Thank you, for the information Coach Nicole I will use it for sure. - 5/23/2012   8:30:04 AM

Thank you, for the information Coach Nicole I will use it for sure. - 5/23/2012   8:30:02 AM

Thank you! There can never be too many posture reminders. My desk at work faced a blank wall which, had I ever thought about it, could have been a great place to post reminders of exercises AND stretches I could have been doing even while sitting! - 5/23/2012   8:16:33 AM

Thank you! - 5/23/2012   8:13:32 AM

Thank you, Coach Nicole. I feel better! - 5/23/2012   7:36:39 AM