by Kevin Osheer

Created on: December 16, 2008

Being stuck in an office makes it very difficult to get the exercise you desire. This means staying in the shape you want can also be difficult. But don't lose hope! There are actually ways to tone your muscles and stretch while at work. These cannot replace a day at the gym by any means, but anything you can do is better than sitting lethargic at your desk.

To stretch your arms hold one of your hands out, palm facing the floor. Then grab the raised hand's fingers and pull them towards you until you feel the stretch in your forearm. Hold for thirty seconds, relax then pull for another 30 seconds. To exercise your forearms there are tools you can buy called hand grips. These come in various resistances and are great for training grip.

Next is an abs workout. First, sit up as straight as you can with your arms on the arm rest. Using your abs, try to lift your legs, retaining their bent position. Lift your legs as close as you can to your chest. You can bend them while they are lifting. This workout works well in three sets. You may want to start with low repetition sets but move up as time goes on.

This back workout is great because you can do it sitting or standing. This one also gets your back very sore and tired. First straighten your back. Next, roll your shoulders as far backwards as you can, puffing your chest out. It helps to pull your elbows backwards as well with your elbow bent at ninety degrees. Flex your back muscles as hard as you can but release quickly. You can also roll your shoulders more upward to workout your upper back rather than the middle. Do as many repetitions as needed to feel a bit sore.

To work your chest is a little more difficult. Find an object that you can push together that will not budge or break. This object should be a little wider than your arms extended straight out. Put your hands on either side of this item, palms facing each other. In short bursts push on this item from both sides as if you're trying to crush it. This workout is better in high repetition because it is hard to really break down the chest muscle with this exercise.

Exercise is very important to relieve stress and stay healthy. If you are one of the many who struggle to find time to workout, you can do it from your office seat, even if it's just as a warm-up for the gym later that night.

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