Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. 

Learn more about SCL Health's Sports Medicine Services and Treatments. 

Spending a few too many hours hunched over your laptop? Chances are your body could use a little TLC. Here are five simple stretches you can do right at your desk to reset, release tension, and counteract the effects of sitting.

Supported Backbend:

Take pressure off your spine and alleviate lower back pain. Stand facing away from a wall. Raise your arms overhead and bend your elbows backwards. Slowly lean back until your palms hit the wall.

Lunge with Rotation:

Stretch your hips and strengthen your shoulders. Take a step forward with your right foot and bend into a lunge. Place your hands on each side of your foot, then rotate your right arm towards the sky. Repeat on the other side.

Torso Stretch:

Lengthen your spine and core. Sit or stand upright. Interlock your fingers, stretch your arms overhead, then gently lean from side to side.

Low Cobra:

Strengthen the lower back and open the shoulders. Lie on your stomach with your palms pressed into the floor next to your chest. Hug your elbows into your sides and press to lift your chest up and back.

Cat-Cow Pose:

Moves the spine through a full range of motion. Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. As you exhale, tuck your pelvis and round you back. As you inhale, move your stomach downwards and arch your back.