Sitting at a desk, in your car and on airplanes puts a lot of stress on your shoulders. We also tend to hold tension in the neck and shoulder region, especially on tightly-scheduled days. Taking just a couple minutes every few hours while at work to stretch your upper body can help you feel more energized and improve your appearance.

Neck Stretch: Drop your right ear to your right shoulder and let the weight of your left hand gently exaggerate the stretch through your neck. Hold 20 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Cross Arm Stretch: Extend your right arm in front of you and cross the left elbow over the right. Bend your right arm towards your face as you resist with your left arm. Keep your left shoulder relaxed and away from your ear. Hold 20 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Chest opener: Sit at the edge of your chair and intertwine your fingers behind your back. As you deeply breathe, press the knuckles down and away and straighten your arms. Feel your chest and collarbones spread. Hold 20 to 30 seconds.

For more fit tips, check out Andrea Cespedes’ articles at suite101.com or look for her at the Briargate branch of the YMCA.