R & R with Rachel (Rants and Raves with Rachel): Can This Be the Next Generation of Standing Desks?!

If you happen to have read my post on May 14, 2014 entitled "Take a Stand Against Sitting" you know that I designed my own standing desk at work. Sitting for hours during the day was killing my body. It is now over 2 years since I made my desk and I am still happily standing for the majority of my work day. While I had initially hoped to be given a treadmill desk I have since read a few opinion articles about them that say that after the newness of the desk wears off walking at 2 m.p.h. all day tends to get a little monotonous. So I continue to happily stand. But I am asking all furniture manufacturers....wouldn't it be great to have a stand up desk on wheels?!?

Strengthening Your Ankles and Feet

Because this is the second time in a few years that Rachel is rehabbing from an ankle injury we thought it might be time to list a few exercises that can help strengthen your ankles and feet. Most all of these exercises can be done throughout your day.

If you are recovering from an ankle or foot injury ask your doctor if it's okay to do the exercises that follow before you begin.

ALPHABET LETTERS

This exercise will help to increase your range of motion. In a seated position, lift your foot off the ground. Using your big toe as a "pencil," try to write the letters of the alphabet in the air. Do the entire alphabet 3 times with each foot.

ANKLE CIRCLES

Sitting on a chair, lift one leg off the ground. Move your ankle from side to side, up and down, and around in circles. Do 5 to 10 circles in each direction with each leg.

THE FLAMINGO

Standing, lift one foot off the ground and balance with your eyes open. Switch feet and do again. Once you can balance on each foot for a minute, try doing the same exercise with your eyes closed. You might find that you are better at balancing on one foot more than the other.

HEEL RAISES

Raise your heels up slowly by going into a tip toe position. Slowly drop the heels back down. Repeat 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

THE MONOPOLY GAME

Put several small objects on the floor, like marbles or Monopoly pieces. Using your toes, pick up the pieces one at a time and put them in a cup or bowl. Do 2 sets of 10 with each foot. You can also use a towel instead of small objects.