Working in front of a computer all day can be challenging for your mind, but not very stimulating for your body. Anything physical that you can add to your routine will benefit your health and stave off the negative side effects that come from sitting in one place for too long. Stretching is a great and easy way to get physical, and yes, there is an app for that.
Muscle soreness is one of the early symptoms of physical inactivity, and the longer you go without exercise, the more it spreads. Two other negative side effects include decreased stamina and a shortened temper. Maybe your office does not have a gym that you can escape to and pump iron, but that is no excuse to be totally inactive. Even getting up and taking an occasional brisk walk will make a big difference in how you feel. Periodic stretching throughout the work day is one of the simplest-yet-most effective activities that you can do during your breaks to improve your health and make you feel better.
Stretch Clock
StretchClock is a great app that will remind you to stretch, but StretchClock is more than an alert (which, let's face it, can be easily ignored). When it's time to stretch, StretchClock will send you a short video instructing you with different stretches to do, and StretchClock will space it out so that all of your muscle groups will be stretched.
Sure, you might look silly doing the "I is a Straight Line" stretch, or the "Oh This Feels Good" stretch in front of your coworkers, but if you stick with StetchClock's stretch regiment you will feel great, perform better at your job, and your new positive outlook will spread to your coworkers. Before you know it, your whole office will be doing the "Standing Under Fingers" together. StretchClock even has a Pro Edition if you want to make regular stretching a company-wide activity.
Other Helpful Stretching and Fitness Apps
The StretchClock service starts at $12 per year. A healthy bargain compared to pumping yourself full of energy drinks. There is also a free stretching app that will send you a reminder to stretch without the videos called Big Stretch Reminder. Actually, it is a sure bet that there is a helpful app to assist you with any discipline that will benefit your health. A quick overview of the health and fitness apps from iTunes and Google Play will leave you with no excuse to slack off on your health goals.
Try out regular stretching in your workplace and let us know in the comments if you notice a difference in how you feel!
