Back stability exercises Part II

These dynamic stretches are designed to increase the range of motion for active workers. As always do not do any stretching exercise that will cause personal physical harm or run counter to the advice of a health care provider.

These are advanced back stability exercises. Work up the repetitions slowly and in consultation with a physical therapist to assure that the technique is correct.

Back Exercises II  3 minutes 38 seconds

University of Minnesota Coursera classes

The University of Minnesota offering Free U of MN Coursera classes for U of Minnesota employees.  The subjects include Management, Engineering, Nursing, HR, IT and Wellness classes. 

Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers.

Integrative Health and Medicine from the Earl E. Bakken Center

Evoluent mouse hand sizing options

The Evoluent vertical mouse can reduce the stress of mousing for some individuals. The following information will help make the decision on the appropriate size mouse. 

Evoluent regular size right hand mouse

Evoluent small right hand vertical mouse

Evoluent regular size Left hand vertical mouse 4

Regular size vertical mouse - distance from middle finger to wrist crease is equal or greater than seven inches (18 cm)

Small mouse: less than seven inches (18 cm)

A printable hand sizing chart is available from Evoluent

SITMATIC Chair

SITMATIC Chair - This highly adjustable chair is available in several seat pan sizes. Optional padded arm rests and seat cylinder heights are offered.

SITMATIC Chair adjustment video -  2 minutes 23 seconds. 

WorkFit TX

The WorkFit TX fits on 24 inch desks. It adjusts from sit to stand. It has a height and tilt adjustable keyboard platform. It is delivered fully assembled.

WorkFit TX adjustment video 3:19 minutes

Computer Mousing Tips

Feel free to review these tips to reduce physical discomfort while using a mouse. Thank you to David Wolff from Hennepin County Medical Center for making this video.

Computer Mouse Tips - Approximately 6 minutes. 

Stretches for ASL signers

Spring on the Scholar's Walk - N. Carlson

The following exercises are specifically designed for employees who provide American Sign Language assistance. Others may also benefit from these stretches.  Special thanks to Occupational Therapy grad students Sheila Bosc and Adaline Bodin for creating the video presentation.

Stretches for Dentists and Dental Hygienists

Spring on the West Bank - N. Carlson

The following exercises are specifically designed for dentists and dental hygienists. Others may also benefit from these stretches.  Special thanks to Occupational Therapy grad students Sheila Bosc and Adaline Bodin for creating the video presentation.

Tips for mouse and keyboard placement

The following video offers tips on how to properly work the the mouse on the left side.  It also highlights the benefits to an adjustable keyboard with out a 10 key pad. 

Keyboard and mouse placement tips - 1 min 6 seconds

AirCelli Chair by Bodybilt

Still more low cost sit stand options

Keyboard platform attached to a side table.

Side table on desk with CPU holding the keyboard

Wireless keyboard and mouse on tray

Wireless keyboard and mouse on boxes with monitor on shelf

Face Relax

Bruininks Hall Atrium - N. Carlson

This short video on face relaxation is the last in a series of wellness exercises courtesy of our student intern, Paige Aschenbrener. We wish her well on her future endeavors.

Face Relax - 1 min. 21 seconds 

Fern Chair by Haworth

Fern chair by Haworth

Standing stretch

Standing stretches provide a good transitional break from sitting. These stretches loosen back and leg muscles that tighten after prolonged sitting. These exercises also work well to break up a long car ride.

Alternative Nostril Breathing

Clouds in June - N. Carlson

Alternative nostril breathing can be used as a method of centering prior to meditation. The technique is easy to learn.  It may be more difficult to do if you have a cold or a blocked nasal passage.

Alternative Nostril Breathing - 1 min 51 seconds

Temporary ergonomics web site

The UHS/DEHS website is in the process of being updated this is a link to the Temporary DEHS UMN Ergonomics Website.

Hand stretch

The following short video offers four separate hand exercises that can be used as a break from typing.

Hand stretch exercise - two minutes 

Neck Exercises

Morning clouds - N. Carlson

The following four neck stretches can be used to improve the range of motion and release neck tension.  Please take care when doing these exercises to not aggravate a previous neck injury.  As always please consult with a health care provider prior to beginning any exercise routine.

Neck stretches - 4 minutes

Morning Stretch

Late Morning Sky - N. Carlson

The following exercises provide seated stretches to start the work day.  These stretches provide a useful break from a period of 30 minutes of sitting. Take care that none of these stretches aggravate a preexisting condition.

Morning stretch 3 minutes and 33 seconds

Tension release

Split river - N. Carlson

The exercises in the video below provide techniques to release tension. They can all be completed while seated in a chair.

Tension Release - 4 min 27 seconds