Movement Library

Desk Exercise LibraryStay Active Without Leaving Your Desk

100+ guided exercises you can do in your office chair or standing desk. Each exercise includes video demonstrations, step-by-step instructions, and duration guidance.

What Is the Desk Exercise Library?

Access a comprehensive library of desk-friendly exercises designed by physical therapists and ergonomics experts. Each exercise includes video demonstrations, step-by-step instructions, and duration guidance. Filter by body area (neck, back, wrists, legs), time available (2-10 minutes), or difficulty level.

Video Demonstrations

100+ exercises with clear video guides showing proper form and technique.

Smart Filtering

Filter by body area, time available, difficulty level, or equipment needed.

Personalized Recommendations

Get exercise suggestions based on your sitting time and pain points.

Progress Tracking

Mark exercises complete and track your consistency over time.

Daily Challenges

New daily exercise challenges to keep you motivated and engaged.

📋

Custom Routines

Save your favorite exercises into custom routines for specific break times.

Why Use Desk Exercises?

💪

Reduce Muscle Tension

Targeted exercises relieve neck, shoulder, and back tightness caused by prolonged sitting. Regular movement prevents muscles from becoming stiff and painful.

Reduce muscle pain by up to 60% with regular desk exercises

🤲

Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries

Wrist and hand exercises prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI from typing. Stretching and strengthening exercises counteract repetitive motions.

Carpal tunnel affects 3-6% of office workers

Increase Energy

Movement breaks boost circulation and alertness. Even 2-3 minutes of exercise can significantly improve your energy levels and mental clarity.

Short movement breaks increase energy by 30%

🏢

No Equipment Needed

All exercises use body weight or common office items like chairs and desks. No need to buy expensive equipment or change into workout clothes.

100% equipment-free exercises available

🤫

Office-Appropriate

Quiet exercises you can do even in open offices. We mark which exercises are discreet and won't draw attention from coworkers.

Perfect for professional environments

👨‍⚕️

Expert-Designed

Created by licensed physical therapists and certified ergonomics specialists. Every exercise is safe, effective, and backed by research.

Professionally designed for desk workers

How the Exercise Library Works

1

Browse or Search

Find exercises by body area (neck, back, wrists, legs), time available (2-10 minutes), or goal (pain relief, energy boost, posture improvement). Use smart filters to narrow down options.

2

Watch & Learn

Follow video demonstrations with clear instructions. Each exercise shows proper form, common mistakes to avoid, and modifications for different fitness levels.

3

Set Reminders

Schedule specific exercises during your break times. DeskBreak will remind you to do your neck stretches, wrist exercises, or full-body routine at the perfect moment.

4

Track Progress

Mark exercises as complete and see your consistency over time. Build streaks, unlock achievements, and watch your desk health improve week by week.

Exercise Categories

🦴 Neck & Shoulders

Relieve tension from forward head posture and hunched shoulders.

  • • Chin tucks
  • • Shoulder rolls
  • • Neck stretches
  • • Upper trapezius release
  • • Levator scapulae stretch

🧘 Back & Core

Strengthen your core and release lower back tightness from sitting.

  • • Seated spinal twists
  • • Standing back bends
  • • Core activations
  • • Cat-cow stretch (modified)
  • • Lower back releases

✋ Wrists & Hands

Prevent carpal tunnel and RSI from typing and mouse use.

  • • Wrist circles
  • • Finger stretches
  • • Hand strengthening
  • • Prayer stretch
  • • Forearm stretches

🦵 Legs & Hips

Combat tight hip flexors and improve circulation in your legs.

  • • Seated hip flexor stretches
  • • Calf raises
  • • Ankle circles
  • • Glute squeezes
  • • Hamstring stretches

👁️ Eyes

Reduce eye strain and fatigue from prolonged screen time.

  • • Eye tracking exercises
  • • Focus shifts
  • • Palming relaxation
  • • Figure-8 movements
  • • Blinking exercises

🧘‍♂️ Full Body

Complete sequences that work multiple areas for comprehensive benefits.

  • • Standing sequences
  • • Desk yoga flows
  • • Balance exercises
  • • Morning wake-up routine
  • • Afternoon energy boost

Who Uses Desk Exercises?

👨‍💻 For Developers

Wrist and shoulder exercises to prevent RSI from typing all day. Combat forward head posture from staring at screens. Quick stretches that won't interrupt your flow state.

Learn more about DeskBreak for Developers →

🏢 For Corporate Employees

Quick standing desk stretches between meetings. Office-appropriate exercises that won't draw attention. Reduce back pain from long conference calls.

Learn more about DeskBreak for Corporate Employees →

🎮 For Gamers

Hand and finger exercises for long gaming sessions. Prevent wrist pain from mouse use. Eye exercises to combat screen strain during marathon gaming sessions.

✍️ For Writers

Neck and upper back relief from forward head posture while writing. Wrist exercises to prevent typing strain. Quick energizing movements to combat writer's block.

Common Questions About Desk Exercises

Do I need any equipment?

No! All exercises use body weight or common office items like your chair and desk. Some optional exercises use resistance bands or light dumbbells, but these are clearly marked and not required. The majority of our library is 100% equipment-free.

How long do exercises take?

Exercises range from 30 seconds (micro-exercises like wrist circles) to 10 minutes (full routines). Most are 2-5 minutes, perfect for quick break times. You can filter by duration to find exercises that fit your schedule.

Can I do these in an open office?

Yes! We mark which exercises are quiet and discreet for open office environments. These exercises won't draw attention from coworkers. Filter for “Office-Appropriate” to find seated stretches and subtle movements.

Are these suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Each exercise has difficulty ratings (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and modifications for different fitness levels. Even if you've never exercised before, you'll find plenty of gentle stretches and movements to start with.

Can I create custom routines?

Yes! Save your favorite exercises into custom routines for specific break times. For example, create a “Morning Neck Relief” routine or “Afternoon Energy Boost” routine tailored to your needs.

Who designed these exercises?

Licensed physical therapists and certified ergonomics specialists designed every exercise. Each movement is safe, effective, and specifically tailored for desk workers. We regularly update the library with new research-backed exercises.

Will these help with existing pain?

These exercises are designed for prevention and general wellness. If you have existing injuries or chronic pain, please consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist. Our exercises can complement professional treatment but shouldn't replace medical care.

Ready to Start Moving at Your Desk?

Access 100+ expert-designed desk exercises with video demonstrations. Stay active, reduce pain, and feel better while working. Start free today.

No credit card required • 14-day free trial • Cancel anytime