Yoga @ Your Desk:

Yoga Position #25: Day @ The Spa Exercises

by Chuck Flaherty, CPA

It's now official. Summer's over. Dangnabbit!

If you're like us, you didn't get in nearly enough R & R. So for one last hoorah, treat yourself to a day at the spa. These two simple "Qi Gong" exercises are the next best thing to a massage and a pina colada. Do them at your desk or in the shade of your favorite palm tree.

Objective 1: To reduce upper body tension and fatigue; to get your mind grooving with your body.

1. Clasping your hands together, place your palms against the back upper half of your neck.

2. Rub the back of your neck as though you were pulling a towel across it.

3. Move your hands to the back lower half of your neck and repeat.

4. Now place one hand under your chin, lightly holding your jaw.

5. Stroke down the front of the neck to the mid-chest, alternating hands.

6. Close your eyes and picture yourself at a spa overlooking a tropical beach.

Objective 2: To decrease tension in arms and chest; strengthen liver, energize heart, and stimulate muscles and nerves of the arms.

1. Raise your arms perpendicular (90 degrees) to your body with your hands facing palms up, fingers outstretched, and your elbows slightly bent (not locked).

2. Keep your shoulders down. Don't shrug.

3. Squeeze your hands into tight fists. Hold a moment.

4. Stretch out your fingers softly, as if pushing the air away.

5. Repeat 9 times.

6. You're ready for another hour at the computer. Or beach volleyball!

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