work day desk exercises
JerseyGirl4eva
Posts: 25
I work from 7:30am to 4:00pm and have a second part time job with varying hours so although my second job can be very busy my primary position is pretty sedentary at a desk all day so I am looking for exercises I can do at work, either at the desk or by leaving to another area. I do twists & side bends while waiting for the copier I try to incorporate stretching etc into each day.
As my right knee is experiencing some issues these days I prefer not to do too many stairs unfortunately. Up is ok down is a killer--with that in mind I don't like to do too much high impact on the knee at home either any P90x I do is the modified version.
So I've been looking around for seated exercises I found some here see links for pics--any suggestions please add to thread:
http://exercise.about.com/library/blseatedupperbody.htm
Seated Upper Body Workout
This seated upper body workout targets all the muscles in the upper body including the chest, back, shoulders and arms as well as the core. Whether you're in a wheelchair, have a lower body injury or simply need to exercise from a seated position, you'll find a variety of moves to help you workout in a comfortable manner. Not all exercises will fit every situation, so show these exercises to your doctor and/or physical therapist before trying them, if you're under a doctor's care.
Precautions
See your doctor before trying this workout if you have any injuries, illnesses or other conditions and modify or skip any exercise that causes pain or discomfort.
Equipment Needed
A chair, a resistance band (medium or light tension), a medicine ball (2-8 lbs, depending on your fitness level) and various weighted dumbbells.
How To
1. While seated, sit up very tall for each exercise, using your abs to maintain good posture.
2. If you're not familiar with strength training, practice the moves without weight or with very light weight to get your form down.
3. Beginners: Perform each exercise for 1 set of the suggested reps, choosing a weight that is challenging but allows you to keep good form.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: Perform 2-3 circuits of the exercises, one after the other, resting as needed.
5. Do this workout 2-3 non-consecutive days a week, taking at least one day of rest between workouts.
Warm Up - Seated Punches
Warm up by jabbing forward, alternating the right and left arms. When jabbing, snap the arm forward as fast as you can without locking the elbow or fully extending the joint. Pull the arm back in as quickly as you can, keeping the other arm up and guarding the face, then jab with the other arm.
Front Jabs - 20 reps
High Jabs - Take your punches up toward the ceiling, alternating sides for 20 reps
Front and High Jabs - Punch forward, alternating right and left, then punch high, alternating right and left. Repeat, going forward and then up for 20 reps.
Repeat 2 more times, moving as fast as you can.
Shoulder Retractions
Sit tall with the abs engaged and push the arms straight out in front of you without locking the joints. Bend the elbows and pull them back, squeezing the shoulder blades together, slightly behind the torso. Continue pushing forward and pulling back for 2 sets of 20 reps.
Medicine Ball Exchange
Sit tall with abs engaged and hold a medicine ball in the right hand, down at your side. Circle the arm up and overhead, taking the ball with the other hand and lowering it down to the left side. Continue circling the ball overhead, alternating arms. For more intensity, go faster or add a toss at the top of the movement. Repeat for 16 reps.
Chest Squeeze with Med Ball
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball at chest level and squeeze the ball with the palms of hands to contract the chest. While continuing to squeeze the ball, slowly push the ball out in front of you at chest level until elbows are almost straight. Continuing the pressure with your hands, bend the elbows and pull the ball back to chest. Repeat for 16 reps.
Chest Press with Band
Wrap the band around the back of the chair, pulling the band under the armpits and holding the handles in each hand. Sit very tall with the abs engaged and begin the movement with the elbows at 90 degrees and at shoulder level with the palms facing down. Squeeze the chest to push the arms straight out in front of you without locking the joints. Bring the arms back to start, keeping the move slow and controlled. If you need more tension, you can wrap the band around your hands. Repeat for 16 reps.
Overhead Press and Alternating Arms
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells in both hands. Begin with arms bent to 90 degrees, weights next to the ears (arms should look like a goal post). Press the weights overhead and lower back down, repeating for 8 reps. Next, keep one arm down while the other arm presses overhead. Continue alternating arms for 8 reps (1 rep includes both right and left arm).
Front Raise with Triceps Extension
Sit tall and hold weights at your sides. Sweep the arms up so shoulder level and then continue overhead until the arms are next to the ears. Bend the elbows and lower the weights behind the head to about 90 degrees. Straighten the arms and sweep them back down, repeating 16 reps.
Lat Pull with Band
While seated with good posture, hold a medium-tension band in both hands up above and slightly in front of your head. The distance between your hands will determine the intensity of the exercise (closer together is harder, further apart is easier). Contract the back and pull the right elbow down towards the ribcage. Release and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Rear Delt Squeeze
Sit tall and hold band in the middle, arms straight out in front of you, hands a few inches apart. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull band so that the arms move out to the sides like an airplane. Return to start and repeat, keeping tension on the band the entire time. Repeat for 16 reps
Medicine Ball Curl and Press
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball in the right hand down at your side. Balance the ball in your hand as you curl the arm up in a biceps curl. At the top of the motion, push the arm out and up toward the ceiling. Bring the ball back down and lower the arm, repeating for 12 reps before switching arms.
Triceps Extension with Medicine Ball
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball straight up over the head, keeping the shoulders away from the ears. Bend the elbows, lowering the ball behind your head until arms are at about 90 degrees. Squeeze the back of the arms to straighten the arms, taking the ball back up. Repeat for 16 reps.
Triceps Extensions with Bands
Sit with good posture holding a band out in front of you with elbows bent out to the sides at shoulder level, palms facing the floor--the distance of your hands will determine the intensity. While keeping the left hand in place, straighten the right arm out to the side until it's parallel to the floor, squeezing the back of the arm. Move back to start and for 16 reps before switching arms.
Seated Rotation for Abs
Sit with good posture holding a medicine ball or dumbbell in front of torso, elbows slightly bent. Keeping the abs contracted, rotate the ball to the right while keeping the hips and legs facing forward. Contract abs to bring the ball back to center and then to the left. Go slowly and concentrate on rotating only at the torso
http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blobeseexercise.htm
Seated Total Body Strength
This total body workout targets the upper and lower body with a variety of exercises that can be done while seated. For some lower body exercises, you can add ankle weights for more intensity. The upper body exercises use dumbbells and/or resistance bands for intensity. You can also make the workout harder by sitting on an unstable surface, such as an exercise ball.
Precautions
See your doctor before trying this workout if you have any injuries, illnesses or other conditions and modify any exercise that causes pain or discomfort.
Equipment Needed
A chair, resistance bands with various tensions, paper plates, a medicine ball, various weighted dumbbells.
How To
1. Choose a chair that allows you to keep your knees at 90 degrees when seated.
2. Sit up tall during each exercise and use your abs to maintain good posture.
3. Perform each exercise for 1 set of 16 repetitions. After you're familiar with the moves and feel ready, increase to 2 or more sets
4. Do this workout 2-3 non-consecutive days a week, taking at least one day of rest between workouts. For best results, combine this workout with regular cardio and a healthy, low-calorie diet.
Seated Slides-Back & Forth
Sit tall and place paper plates under each foot. Push onto the right plate and slide the foot forward. Slide the foot back, pressing onto the plate to activate the hamstrings while sliding the left foot forward. Continue alternating for 16 reps (one rep includes both right and left slides).
Seated Outer Thigh
Sit tall in the chair and tie a band around the mid-thighs. Step the right foot out to the side, touch lightly and then bring it back in, focusing on the outer thigh. Repeat, stepping out with the left foot and repeat for a total of 16 reps (one rep includes both the right and left taps).
Leg Extensions
Sit tall with feet flat on the floor and knees together. Squeeze the quads to straighten the right leg, foot flexed. Bend the knee to lower the foot, lightly touching the floor. Repeat for 20 reps and switch sides. Add ankle weights for more intensity if desired.
Seated Ball Taps
Place a medicine ball in front of you and sit tall with the abs engaged. Lift the right foot and tap the toes on top of the medicine ball. Take it back down and tap with the left foot. Continue tapping the ball, alternating feet, as fast as you can repeating for 16-20 reps.
Inner Thigh Squeeze
While seated with good posture, place a ball between your knees. Squeeze the ball by contracting the inner thighs and release slightly--don't release all the way--and repeat for 16 reps.
Lat Pull with Band
While seated with good posture, hold a medium-tension band in both hands up above and slightly in front of your head. The distance between your hands will determine the intensity of the exercise (closer together is harder, further apart is easier). Contract the back and pull the right elbow down toward the ribcage. Release and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Chest Squeeze with Med Ball
Sit on a ball or chair, back straight and abs in. Hold a medicine ball (or any other type of ball) at chest level and squeeze the ball to contract the chest. While continuing to squeeze the ball, slowly push the ball out in front of you at chest level until elbows are almost straight. Continuing the pressure with your hands, bend the elbows and pull the ball back to chest. Repeat for 16 reps.
Seated Lateral Raise
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells at your sides. Keeping the elbows slightly bent and wrists straight, lift the arms up to shoulder level (palms face the floor). Lower back down and repeat for 16 reps.
Overhead Press
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells in both hands. Begin the move with arms bent to 90 degrees, weights next to the ears (arms should look like a goal post). Press the weights overhead and lower back down, repeating for 16 reps.
Bicep Curls
Sit and hold light to medium dumbbells. Curl the weight up toward your shoulder and release. Avoid swinging the weights and keep the abs engaged. Repeat for 16 reps.
Triceps Extensions with Bands
Sit with good posture holding a band out in front of you with elbows bent out to the sides at shoulder level, palms facing the floor--the distance of your hands will determine the intensity. While keeping the left hand in place, straighten the right arm out to the side until it's parallel to the floor, squeezing the back of the arm. Move back to start and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Seated Rotation for Abs
Sit with good posture holding a medium dumbbell in front of chest. Keeping the abs contracted, rotate the torso to the right while keeping the hips and legs facing forward. Contract abs to bring the weight back to center and then rotate to the left. Repeat for 12 reps.
As my right knee is experiencing some issues these days I prefer not to do too many stairs unfortunately. Up is ok down is a killer--with that in mind I don't like to do too much high impact on the knee at home either any P90x I do is the modified version.
So I've been looking around for seated exercises I found some here see links for pics--any suggestions please add to thread:
http://exercise.about.com/library/blseatedupperbody.htm
Seated Upper Body Workout
This seated upper body workout targets all the muscles in the upper body including the chest, back, shoulders and arms as well as the core. Whether you're in a wheelchair, have a lower body injury or simply need to exercise from a seated position, you'll find a variety of moves to help you workout in a comfortable manner. Not all exercises will fit every situation, so show these exercises to your doctor and/or physical therapist before trying them, if you're under a doctor's care.
Precautions
See your doctor before trying this workout if you have any injuries, illnesses or other conditions and modify or skip any exercise that causes pain or discomfort.
Equipment Needed
A chair, a resistance band (medium or light tension), a medicine ball (2-8 lbs, depending on your fitness level) and various weighted dumbbells.
How To
1. While seated, sit up very tall for each exercise, using your abs to maintain good posture.
2. If you're not familiar with strength training, practice the moves without weight or with very light weight to get your form down.
3. Beginners: Perform each exercise for 1 set of the suggested reps, choosing a weight that is challenging but allows you to keep good form.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: Perform 2-3 circuits of the exercises, one after the other, resting as needed.
5. Do this workout 2-3 non-consecutive days a week, taking at least one day of rest between workouts.
Warm Up - Seated Punches
Warm up by jabbing forward, alternating the right and left arms. When jabbing, snap the arm forward as fast as you can without locking the elbow or fully extending the joint. Pull the arm back in as quickly as you can, keeping the other arm up and guarding the face, then jab with the other arm.
Front Jabs - 20 reps
High Jabs - Take your punches up toward the ceiling, alternating sides for 20 reps
Front and High Jabs - Punch forward, alternating right and left, then punch high, alternating right and left. Repeat, going forward and then up for 20 reps.
Repeat 2 more times, moving as fast as you can.
Shoulder Retractions
Sit tall with the abs engaged and push the arms straight out in front of you without locking the joints. Bend the elbows and pull them back, squeezing the shoulder blades together, slightly behind the torso. Continue pushing forward and pulling back for 2 sets of 20 reps.
Medicine Ball Exchange
Sit tall with abs engaged and hold a medicine ball in the right hand, down at your side. Circle the arm up and overhead, taking the ball with the other hand and lowering it down to the left side. Continue circling the ball overhead, alternating arms. For more intensity, go faster or add a toss at the top of the movement. Repeat for 16 reps.
Chest Squeeze with Med Ball
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball at chest level and squeeze the ball with the palms of hands to contract the chest. While continuing to squeeze the ball, slowly push the ball out in front of you at chest level until elbows are almost straight. Continuing the pressure with your hands, bend the elbows and pull the ball back to chest. Repeat for 16 reps.
Chest Press with Band
Wrap the band around the back of the chair, pulling the band under the armpits and holding the handles in each hand. Sit very tall with the abs engaged and begin the movement with the elbows at 90 degrees and at shoulder level with the palms facing down. Squeeze the chest to push the arms straight out in front of you without locking the joints. Bring the arms back to start, keeping the move slow and controlled. If you need more tension, you can wrap the band around your hands. Repeat for 16 reps.
Overhead Press and Alternating Arms
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells in both hands. Begin with arms bent to 90 degrees, weights next to the ears (arms should look like a goal post). Press the weights overhead and lower back down, repeating for 8 reps. Next, keep one arm down while the other arm presses overhead. Continue alternating arms for 8 reps (1 rep includes both right and left arm).
Front Raise with Triceps Extension
Sit tall and hold weights at your sides. Sweep the arms up so shoulder level and then continue overhead until the arms are next to the ears. Bend the elbows and lower the weights behind the head to about 90 degrees. Straighten the arms and sweep them back down, repeating 16 reps.
Lat Pull with Band
While seated with good posture, hold a medium-tension band in both hands up above and slightly in front of your head. The distance between your hands will determine the intensity of the exercise (closer together is harder, further apart is easier). Contract the back and pull the right elbow down towards the ribcage. Release and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Rear Delt Squeeze
Sit tall and hold band in the middle, arms straight out in front of you, hands a few inches apart. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull band so that the arms move out to the sides like an airplane. Return to start and repeat, keeping tension on the band the entire time. Repeat for 16 reps
Medicine Ball Curl and Press
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball in the right hand down at your side. Balance the ball in your hand as you curl the arm up in a biceps curl. At the top of the motion, push the arm out and up toward the ceiling. Bring the ball back down and lower the arm, repeating for 12 reps before switching arms.
Triceps Extension with Medicine Ball
Sit tall and hold a medicine ball straight up over the head, keeping the shoulders away from the ears. Bend the elbows, lowering the ball behind your head until arms are at about 90 degrees. Squeeze the back of the arms to straighten the arms, taking the ball back up. Repeat for 16 reps.
Triceps Extensions with Bands
Sit with good posture holding a band out in front of you with elbows bent out to the sides at shoulder level, palms facing the floor--the distance of your hands will determine the intensity. While keeping the left hand in place, straighten the right arm out to the side until it's parallel to the floor, squeezing the back of the arm. Move back to start and for 16 reps before switching arms.
Seated Rotation for Abs
Sit with good posture holding a medicine ball or dumbbell in front of torso, elbows slightly bent. Keeping the abs contracted, rotate the ball to the right while keeping the hips and legs facing forward. Contract abs to bring the ball back to center and then to the left. Go slowly and concentrate on rotating only at the torso
http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blobeseexercise.htm
Seated Total Body Strength
This total body workout targets the upper and lower body with a variety of exercises that can be done while seated. For some lower body exercises, you can add ankle weights for more intensity. The upper body exercises use dumbbells and/or resistance bands for intensity. You can also make the workout harder by sitting on an unstable surface, such as an exercise ball.
Precautions
See your doctor before trying this workout if you have any injuries, illnesses or other conditions and modify any exercise that causes pain or discomfort.
Equipment Needed
A chair, resistance bands with various tensions, paper plates, a medicine ball, various weighted dumbbells.
How To
1. Choose a chair that allows you to keep your knees at 90 degrees when seated.
2. Sit up tall during each exercise and use your abs to maintain good posture.
3. Perform each exercise for 1 set of 16 repetitions. After you're familiar with the moves and feel ready, increase to 2 or more sets
4. Do this workout 2-3 non-consecutive days a week, taking at least one day of rest between workouts. For best results, combine this workout with regular cardio and a healthy, low-calorie diet.
Seated Slides-Back & Forth
Sit tall and place paper plates under each foot. Push onto the right plate and slide the foot forward. Slide the foot back, pressing onto the plate to activate the hamstrings while sliding the left foot forward. Continue alternating for 16 reps (one rep includes both right and left slides).
Seated Outer Thigh
Sit tall in the chair and tie a band around the mid-thighs. Step the right foot out to the side, touch lightly and then bring it back in, focusing on the outer thigh. Repeat, stepping out with the left foot and repeat for a total of 16 reps (one rep includes both the right and left taps).
Leg Extensions
Sit tall with feet flat on the floor and knees together. Squeeze the quads to straighten the right leg, foot flexed. Bend the knee to lower the foot, lightly touching the floor. Repeat for 20 reps and switch sides. Add ankle weights for more intensity if desired.
Seated Ball Taps
Place a medicine ball in front of you and sit tall with the abs engaged. Lift the right foot and tap the toes on top of the medicine ball. Take it back down and tap with the left foot. Continue tapping the ball, alternating feet, as fast as you can repeating for 16-20 reps.
Inner Thigh Squeeze
While seated with good posture, place a ball between your knees. Squeeze the ball by contracting the inner thighs and release slightly--don't release all the way--and repeat for 16 reps.
Lat Pull with Band
While seated with good posture, hold a medium-tension band in both hands up above and slightly in front of your head. The distance between your hands will determine the intensity of the exercise (closer together is harder, further apart is easier). Contract the back and pull the right elbow down toward the ribcage. Release and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Chest Squeeze with Med Ball
Sit on a ball or chair, back straight and abs in. Hold a medicine ball (or any other type of ball) at chest level and squeeze the ball to contract the chest. While continuing to squeeze the ball, slowly push the ball out in front of you at chest level until elbows are almost straight. Continuing the pressure with your hands, bend the elbows and pull the ball back to chest. Repeat for 16 reps.
Seated Lateral Raise
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells at your sides. Keeping the elbows slightly bent and wrists straight, lift the arms up to shoulder level (palms face the floor). Lower back down and repeat for 16 reps.
Overhead Press
Sit with good posture holding light-medium dumbbells in both hands. Begin the move with arms bent to 90 degrees, weights next to the ears (arms should look like a goal post). Press the weights overhead and lower back down, repeating for 16 reps.
Bicep Curls
Sit and hold light to medium dumbbells. Curl the weight up toward your shoulder and release. Avoid swinging the weights and keep the abs engaged. Repeat for 16 reps.
Triceps Extensions with Bands
Sit with good posture holding a band out in front of you with elbows bent out to the sides at shoulder level, palms facing the floor--the distance of your hands will determine the intensity. While keeping the left hand in place, straighten the right arm out to the side until it's parallel to the floor, squeezing the back of the arm. Move back to start and repeat for 16 reps before switching sides.
Seated Rotation for Abs
Sit with good posture holding a medium dumbbell in front of chest. Keeping the abs contracted, rotate the torso to the right while keeping the hips and legs facing forward. Contract abs to bring the weight back to center and then rotate to the left. Repeat for 12 reps.
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Replies
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If you can get online while you're at work, www.fitnessblender.com has a 32 minute chair workout video that you can do at work and a printable cubicle workout routine.0
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If you can get online while you're at work, www.fitnessblender.com has a 32 minute chair workout video that you can do at work and a printable cubicle workout routine.
great info thanks so much!0 -
If you can get online while you're at work, www.fitnessblender.com has a 32 minute chair workout video that you can do at work and a printable cubicle workout routine.
great info thanks so much!
WOW... thats awsome!! I usually do chair dips with my arms....and the sitting up with the abs...but I still have so much left to lose the abs aren't really workin out so much!! LOL0 -
Thanks for the information! and Fitnessblender looks great! I sit all day - and sometimes could fit in some exercises! Have a great day!0
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