Simple Workday Exercises for Life on a Boat

Getting up and moving around throughout the workday is important to avoid stiffness and strain. Here are a few simple exercises you can do during the workday to help maintain physical health and reduce the risk of strain.

Chair Stretches

Neck Stretch

  • Sit up straight in your chair.

  • Slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder.

  • Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides.

Seated Spinal Twist

  • Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

  • Place your right hand on the back of your chair and your left hand on your right knee.

  • Gently twist your torso to the right, looking over your right shoulder.

  • Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides.

Standing Exercises

Calf Raises

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

  • Slowly raise your heels off the floor, standing on your toes.

  • Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down.

  • Repeat 10-15 times.

Desk Push-Ups

  • Stand a few feet away from your desk.

  • Place your hands on the edge of the desk, shoulder-width apart.

  • Keep your body straight as you lower your chest toward the desk, then push back up.

  • Repeat 10-15 times.

Stretching

Shoulder Stretch

  • Stand or sit up straight.

  • Reach your right arm across your body and hold it with your left hand.

  • Gently pull your right arm toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your shoulder.

  • Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides.

Hamstring Stretch

  • Stand up and place one foot on a chair or a low surface.

  • Keep your leg straight and lean forward slightly from your hips.

  • Hold for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides.

Core Exercises

Seated Leg Lifts

  • Sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor.

  • Lift one leg until it is straight and parallel to the floor.

  • Hold for a few seconds, then lower it back down.

  • Repeat 10-15 times for each leg.

Seated Torso Twist

  • Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

  • Place your hands behind your head.

  • Twist your torso to the right, then return to the center.

  • Twist to the left, then return to the center.

  • Repeat 10-15 times on each side.

Eye Exercises

Eye Focus Change

  • Hold one finger a few inches away from your eyes.

  • Focus on your finger, then slowly move it away while keeping your focus on it.

  • Look at something 20 feet away for a few seconds, then focus back on your finger.

  • Repeat 10 times.

20-20-20 Rule

  • Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

These simple exercises can help you stay active, reduce tension, and improve your well-being during the workday.

Alison Major

Alison Major is an author, experienced sailor, and the founder of Loop Life Academy, dedicated to helping families navigate the adventures of America’s Great Loop. With over a decade of remote work experience leading international technology and software engineering teams, she brings her expertise to the nautical world.

Alison lives full-time aboard a 2005 Beneteau 423, SV Fika, with her husband, Chris, and their two children. She has sailed over 7,000 nautical miles. She writes about remote work, cruising, and family life aboard, sharing practical insights for those embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Her most recent book is Remote Work Afloat. An educator and lifelong learner, she teaches Software Architecture to graduate students and mentors cruisers, providing guidance on life's technical and logistical aspects on the water.

https://looplifeacademy.com
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