Easy, at Your Desk Hand, Arm and Wrist Exercises

Currently, most of us working in offices find that we are moving closer and closer to paperless office environments. This means we are depending on our computers more and more. This makes it easier to store and locate files and has a great impact on office efficiency. The downside to all this is the increase in shoulder, hand and wrist related stress. Frequent exercise can alleviate much of the strain that is placed on your shoulders, hands and wrists. There are several easy exercises you can perform right at your desk that will help ease or eliminate discomfort and long-term problems that may arise from repetitious work.

When performing any exercise it is important that you stretch your muscles gently and use controlled motions. As with any exercise, if you notice any pain or discomfort from the motions discontinue the program and discuss it with your physician. If you are currently seeing a physician for an existing condition you should speak with him or her in regards to doing these exercises.

#1 Easy to do while sitting. Lay your forearm gently on the edge of your desk, with hand extended over the edge. Placing your other hand under your fingers, raise your fingers, bending upwards at the wrist. Hold this for 5-7 seconds. Repeat 3 times and switch to the other hand.

#2 Perform this exercise while either sitting or standing. With hand open, press your palm downwards on the top of your desk, stretching your wrist and fingers fir 5-7 seconds. Alternate between hands for 3 repetitions.

#3 Perform this exercise while sitting or standing. Spread fingers fully, spreading fingers to full extension. Tightly clench your fist. You can do both hands at the same time, repeating the exercise 5-6 times.

#4 Can be done standing or sitting at your desk. Holding both arms in front of you, bent at the elbow, gently form a fist with both hands. Roll your knuckles downward to the floor, keeping elbows bent. Hold for 5 seconds. Open your fingers, leaving fists pointed to the floor. Letting fingers dangle freely you will be able to feel the stretching of your lower arm muscles. Without moving elbows, raise fingers upwards, pointing to the ceiling. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Relaxing between repetitions, perform all of the steps 3 times.

All of these exercises can be performed several times each day. If you feel your muscles tiring, relax and spend a few minutes on these stretching exercises.

Consuming the daily recommended quantity of water will aid in the maintenance of healthy muscle tissue.

For a list of easy exercises for your neck, back and shoulders, see my article, "Easy, at Your Desk - Neck, Back and Shoulder Exercises"