Move · Videos · Mobility · 7 min
Four-Move Desk Posture Reset from a Doctor of PT
Video by Healthline on YouTube · Open on YouTube
A doctor of physical therapy shows a seated desk reset: a slouch then over-correct to find upright, scapular squeezes, backward and forward shoulder rolls, and a hands-behind-head chest stretch held at least 30 seconds. Good once or twice a day.
- 7 min
- Beginner
- Low impact (no jumping)
- chair
Good forBetter posture
Step by step 5
Tap a time to watch that step in the video.
- Slouch over-correct: sit forward with feet flat, slouch, then arch the low and mid back; 5 to 8 times. 1:28
- Scapular squeezes: open the chest and draw the shoulder blades back, then relax; they only move a little. 2:30
- Shoulder rolls: backwards first, then forwards, hands on the thighs or on the shoulders. 3:27
- Seated chest stretch: hands clasped behind the head, sit tall with the abs engaged and squeeze the elbows back. 5:26
- Elbows in line with the head; add a gentle mid-back arch if you feel no stretch and hold at least 30 seconds. 6:09
The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.
Form cues from the coach
- Slouch, then over-correct by arching low and mid back, five to eight times, to find tall sitting
- Scapular squeezes: open the chest and respect your range, the blades only move a little
- Hold the chest stretch with a tall spine and abs engaged for at least 30 seconds
What it works
Tap an area for more videos that work it.
Joints it uses light on the joints
- Shoulders movesscapular squeezes, shoulder rolls, chest stretch
- Upper back movesslouch and over-correct, hands-behind-head stretch
- Lower back movesslouch and over-correct arching
Easier option from the coach: All seated; shoulder rolls with hands on thighs or on shoulders
A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated
More like this
Standing Posture Routine With Wall WorkDr. Jon Saunders · 12 min · beginner
Gentle Upper-Back Posture Workout for Seniors and BeginnersSeniorShape Fitness · 20 min · beginner
Pilates Posture Flow for Neck, Upper Back and ShouldersAnnie Pilates Physical Therapist · 14 min · all levels
Posture Alignment Exercises for Ages 50+Will Harlow – Over-Fifties Specialist Physio · 17 min · beginner
Mid-Back (Thoracic Spine) Mobility RoutineJessica Valant · 12 min · intermediate
10-Minute Daily Posture RoutineTone and Tighten · 11 min · beginner
Video by Healthline; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety