The Five Minute Reset That Changes a Working Day

Most of us finish a working day feeling like a question mark. Shoulders up by our ears, jaw clenched, neck craning towards a screen we've been staring at since nine.

I spent years as a nurse before becoming a Pilates instructor, and I've been teaching for six years now. In that time I've noticed something. The people who come to my classes are rarely unfit. They're tired, tense and have been sitting in the same position for hours. That's not a motivation problem. It's what a desk does to a body.

The good news is that you don't need an hour, a mat or a change of clothes to feel better. You need about five minutes.

Here's my simple desk reset. Try it now, wherever you are.

1. Breathe. Sit tall, relax your jaw and take three slow breaths in and out. Let your ribs widen as you breathe in.

2. Roll your shoulders. Lift them up, draw them back and let them drop. Do this five times.

3. Find your tall spine. Imagine a string lifting the crown of your head towards the ceiling. Sit up without squeezing your shoulders back.

4. Gentle twist. Place one hand on the opposite knee and turn slowly to look over your shoulder. Breathe, then swap sides.

5. Soften your neck. Drop one ear towards your shoulder, pause, and switch.

That's it. No equipment, no fuss, and no one will even notice you doing it.

Five minutes won't fix everything, but it can change how the rest of your day feels. People often tell me they feel lighter, clearer and less achy afterwards. And a team that feels good at work tends to work better together.

That's exactly why I'm bringing Pilates into workplaces. From a one off Reset session to a six week block or an ongoing programme, I'll help you find what fits your team.

If you'd like to bring a reset to your workplace, get in touch and let's have a chat.