Veggie Blog

Yoga in the Workplace has been designed to create an effective work-out within the limiting constraints of a work-station. Although primarily developed for a workaholic who is committed to his or her cubicle, the book works just as well for a home-maker and the divan-loving grandparent. Even people who exercise regularly will find this book useful: research has proven that exercise relegated entirely to one part of the day is not very effective if the rest of the day is spent largely in a passive manner. This book rectifies that lacuna.

Shameem Akthar is a certified yogacharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Kerala. She teaches and holds yoga workshops in Mumbai.

Who is this book written for?

It was developed mainly for a “workaholic” who is committed to the cubicle, but the description says it works just as well for a home-maker or a grandparent, and that people who exercise regularly will find it useful.

What reason does the description give for using it?

The description says research has shown that exercise limited to one part of the day is not very effective if the rest of the day is spent largely sitting still. That is the description’s claim, and no source is named.

Who is behind Yoga in the Workplace?

Shameem Akthar, who the description says is a certified yogacharya trained at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Kerala and who teaches yoga and holds workshops in Mumbai is the author listed in the title.

What is this book about?

The Amazon description says the book was designed to create an effective workout within the limits of a work-station.

Summary based on the book description on Amazon.

How can I take movement breaks at a desk?

Long periods of sitting are a modern problem. The WHO activity fact sheet advises limiting sedentary time and says some physical activity is better than none. Standing up every half hour or so, even for a minute, is a practical response.

Desk-friendly movements include shoulder rolls, gentle neck turns, seated twists, wrist stretches and standing hamstring stretches. Breathing slowly for a minute also counts as a break: the NCCIH page on relaxation techniques lists slow, deep breaths among the relaxation techniques.

Move within a comfortable range and do not force any stretch. Persistent neck, back, wrist or eye strain is worth discussing with a doctor or occupational health service, since it may need a change to your workstation setup or a medical check.

Related on this blog: No Time for Yoga? How a Few Minutes a Day Can Still Count and Can Yoga Help You Think Clearly at Work? Stress, Focus and Better Decisions

Book: Yoga in the Workplace by Shameem Akthar
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)