If you work at a desk, just five minutes can help you shake off shoulder tension
I've had a persistent knot in my shoulder for as long as I can remember and spending weekdays hunched over my laptop has probably exacerbated the issue. While it feels like there's no solution, stretching and mobility work always offer some relief.
So when I came across a simple five-minute routine that yoga instructor Emily Mouu had shared, I knew I had to try it.
The routine is designed to improve your posture, and loosen your back and shoulders—all areas of concern for me.
A post shared by Emily Mouu (@emilymouu)
A photo posted by on
You don't need any equipment for this routine, though I used a yoga mat for knee support.
The routine consists of five exercises and you do every exercise for one minute.
I'm familiar with some of the stretches, but the variations Mouu added helped to release some tension in my shoulder.
Thread the needle is one of my favorite stretches for targeting my chest and shoulder muscles and it felt amazing after a day at my desk. The added side reach also helped to stretch out my upper back, another point where I hold tension.
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
I enjoyed the scorpion flips, which mobilized my lower back and shoulders. I felt immediate relief from upper-body tension.
The final exercise—the forward fold with arms behind and hands interlocked overhead—was also satisfying. Breathing through this stretch helped me relax mentally and physically, with a deep stretch through my shoulders.
I'd absolutely recommend this routine if you have tight shoulders like I do. It’s easy to forget how much of a difference just five minutes of stretching can make. After this session, I returned to my desk feeling lighter and more relaxed. It's something I plan to incorporate into my routine more regularly.
Alice Porter is a freelance journalist covering lifestyle topics including health, fitness and wellness. She is particularly interested in women's health, strength training and fitness trends and writes for publications including Stylist Magazine, Refinery29, The Independent and Glamour Magazine. Like many other people, Alice's personal interest in combining HIIT training with strength work quickly turned into a CrossFit obsession and she trains at a box in south London. When she's not throwing weights around or attempting handstand push-ups, you can probably find her on long walks in nature, buried in a book or hopping on a flight to just about anywhere it will take her.
Pilates One of the internet's favorite Pilates instructors has launched a new seven-day challenge
By Alice Porter Published
Healthy eating I started focusing on what to eat more of instead of what to eat less of
By Amber Nelson Published
Fit&Well is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.