11/11/2025
Time for an office monkey break. š
After twelve weeks into the semester (I spend part of the year teaching academic writing to college students) and way too much sitting (and leaning to one side), my back has been falling into old patterns. Iām guessing Iām not alone, so hereās a quick reset you can do right in your office:
Step 1: Find a wall.
Step 2: Line your body up against it, feet included. Reach behind to feel that natural curve in your low back as a reference point for how far to step out until your back is fully aligned along the wall. Keep your heels together and toes apart (aka anatomical neutral ā think da Vinciās David or the stance you take for footwork toes on the Reformer).
Step 3: Soften your knees if needed, and donāt jam your head (or anything else) into the wall. Instead, go for connected length along your torso.
Step 4: Holding this position, youāll already feel your stomach, back, and seat working to maintain that connection. Then challenge it with some basic arm movements. Move the arms from the back, keeping a solid connection to your center. Try lifting and lowering, or circling the arms (I went with circles here), testing your full range without sacrificing integration.
Done right, this should leave you feeling energized, balanced, and more connected in your movement ā”ļø Itās quick and convenient ā a perfect antidote to all that sitting.
