In the past years, yoga classes have been booming as a fitness regimen designed to promote flexibility and circulation, as well as cultivate a well organized mind.  Yoga classes and exercises are a relatively low impact, accessible gym workout that is perfectly geared to rehabilitation of bad posture and core strength, one of the reasons that so many athletes use yoga as a supplemental exercise program. What so many people are beginning to realize, however, is the rehabilitating benefits of yoga for the typical posture irregularities induced through working in the modern office setting.

                Despite the sedentary style of office work, the positions and tasks involved can prove to be truly debilitating physically if not taken into consideration. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are injuries that come from repeated pressure on certain body areas that eventually evolve into much more detrimental problems. Common RSIs include eye issues, back and posture problems, and circulation issues. Yoga classes and other gym workouts can stretch the muscles and loosen up the body in ways that will manage and prevent RSIs before they can grow out of control and do any lasting damage to your body.

                Physicals RSIs that come from an office lifestyle usually stem from the work's demand of sitting at a desk, in front of a computer for over eight hours a day. This stressor usually results in poor circulation to the extremities of the body such as the legs and feet. Also, poor support from incorrectly sized and adjusted chairs and desks can result in poor posture and hunched shoulders. When 80% of first impressions are based upon posture this is something that must always be addressed, especially in a business setting where impressions can mean so much. On top of all of this, extended viewing of a computer monitor can result in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), an ailment that causes severe eyestrain and loss in productivity due to concentration and energy related issues.

                Yoga exercises focus on posture and mindful body movement. The positions can stretch out the muscles and when combined with breathing technique can promote blood flow to all areas of the body and decrease the sedentary muscle cramps. For eye issues, there is even facial yoga that will repair the eye's focus and give it a rest from staring at the backlit computer screen.

                If yoga classes don't seem to be your thing, there are multiple other manners of gym workouts to loosen your body up after a long day at the office. Check your local health club or fitness center for their listings of yoga classes or other fitness classes to improve your office productivity and overall quality of life.