I am relatively non-active right now.  I know, having children and caring for them 24 hours isn’t a real excuse, but it sure feels like it.  I went to visit my RMT (Registered Massage Therapist for those not in Ontario) and she told me that my wrists were super tight and I was at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (YIKES!).  She’s so true on this point.  I am constantly in front of the computer, wrist on the mouse or keyboard and shoulders hunched – now how bad is that for one’s posture?

She suggested I stretch my wrists out as often as I can – especially after computer usage.  In fact, you can do these stretches lying down – how fabulous is that!  So now I have been stretching every time I put Vanessa down to sleep.  Since I usually lie down with her for a few minutes, I will stretch my wrists, my shoulders, my buttocks, my feet and any other stretches that can be done LYING flat and in a matter of about 5-8 minutes.

For those who are just as inactive as I am (it’s temporary right? we all tell ourselves that), do just a little bit for yourself and stretch when you can.  On the toilet seat, waiting for a green light in your car, right before you go to sleep, chewing your food, waiting for the doctor or wherever – just do it!

You can work your way up to more advanced stretching if/when possible – which will help your body even more.  But it’s a good habit to have and it really does benefit your body.  Come on lazy butt, even a busy body mother like myself can slip in a few stretching exercises for my poor neglected body.  I’m now enlisting everyone I know to try these wrist stretches.  Truly, it’s for your own good!

References:

Office Chair Yoga:  Wrist Stretches - ExpertVillage.com (they have a whole series – really great stuff)
Work It Girl: Wrist Stretch – FitSugar.com (interesting pose and again, it takes a whole what – 10 SECONDS?)
A complete wrist work out – Ergocise.com (a thorough wrist work out with very poor asethetics, but I guess the message is there)