Dr. Perricone’s fitness guru, Wini Linguvic, is a yoga and fitness expert here to help all the Summer Slim Down participants take their training to the next level. She’ll be answering your fitness questions on Fitness Fridays throughout the month of June.

Question: How can I stop some of those aches and pains I feel from sitting at my desk all day?

Wini replies:

Humans are not meant to sit that many hours in a row! Here are a few suggestions:

• Do a gentle stretching sequence every two hours. At your chair- reach your arms overhead and lengthen your spine from your seat to top of your head for 3 breaths.  Then use the sides of your chair for a gentle twist, holding each side for another 3 breaths. Repeat the sequence, observing how the second time you practice the stretches might be different than the first.

• Try a one-minute neck soother. First stretch your neck, tilt your head to each side and hold for 3-5 breaths. Then slowly roll your shoulders forward, then back.  Repeat the sequence with your eyes closed.

• Set your phone or computer to remind you every hour to stand up and move around. Taking a break from prolonged sitting is will help counter the time spent sitting.

• Make sure your desk, chair and computer screen and keyboard are placed in an optimal ergonomic position. Very often a simple adjustment to your workstation can help reduce eye, neck and shoulder strain.

What are some other ways you can stay fit at your desk?