Keep those typing hands nimble

Keyboarding really is an athletic event -- so much so that those who regularly work on computers should find any opportunity to make it fun to exercise.

One great way to do so is through keyboard calisthenics.

How to do keyboard calisthenics:

Sit back in your chair and let your hands rest on your lap.

Begin by taking two to three diaphragmatic breaths, letting all of the air out with each exhalation while relaxing your hands and arms.

Remember to keep a nice breathing rhythm when you do these calisthenics.

* Prayer press. In each position, hold for a count of three as you gently press your palms together.

Place your hands together as if you were praying and rotate your hands so that your fingers are pointing forward. Rotate so that your fingers are pointing toward the floor.

Return to a prayer position. Then rotate your hands so that your fingers are pointing to your chest. Repeat the sequence two to three times.

* Finger stretch. This exercise requires enough room to spread your arms wide.

Stand up and step away from your chair.

In each arm position, open and close your hands quickly five to 10 times, making sure that you really stretch your fingers and palms when your hands are opeen.

Reach straight forward. Open your arms wide and stretch to your sides. Reach toward the ceiling. Reach behind your back.

Open your arms wide with your hands to your sides and finally to the front again.

* Wrist flop. Sit on the edge of your chair. In each position, allow your wrists to hang for a count of three, turning your palms down then up three to five times.

Stretch your arms straight forward and let your hands dangle, palms down, then up. Stretch your arms out to your side.

Reach toward the ceiling, to your sides and to the front.

Do these or other stretches every hour. Be creative and invent your own stretches.

Share them with your co-workers.

For additional information on ergonomics, visit the Office Ergonomics website, take the 45-minute LRN course "Ergonomics for Computer Users" or talk to your local Ergonomics Advocate.

The website lists all the Ergonomics Advocates across the enterprise, grouped by their office.