Try These Seated Stretch Workouts to Relieve Neck Pain While At Your Desk

In the debut episode of the series Good Stretch, Brian Spencer, a Pilates instructor from East River Pilates, demonstrates a series of seated stretches that are perfect for relieving tension and discomfort. These stretches can be done practically anywhere, whether you’re in a crowded airplane or at your desk. They target various areas like hips, neck, shoulders, and a crucial muscle near your glutes known as the piriformis. If you’ve been yearning for some seated stretch exercises, this first episode of Good Stretch is exactly what you need.

Spencer kicks off with a modified cat and cow stretch while sitting, which can be a game-changer if your muscles are feeling fatigued. He then demonstrates a gentle neck stretch by gently pulling on your head to target the upper trapezius muscle, helping to release tension in your shoulders and alleviate neck pain.

Following that, Spencer guides you to cross your legs and lean to engage in hip and piriformis stretching. The piriformis, a small muscle located in the buttocks that interacts with the major nerve in your lower body, can lead to discomfort when irritated or tense. This often occurs during prolonged sitting, making this stretch particularly useful for preventing or alleviating any associated pain.

Spencer’s five-minute stretch routine showcases his expertise in providing quick and effective relief. You won’t need any special equipment to perform these exercises, apart from perhaps having considerate plane neighbors who won’t doze off on your shoulder. Don’t miss out on this guided stretch session with Spencer.