Seated Shoulder Shrugs: A Simple Move to Ease Tension

If you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours and feel tension creeping into your shoulders and neck, this quick and easy exercise can help. Seated Shoulder Shrugs are a great way to reset your posture and relieve upper body tightness—all without leaving your chair.

How to Do Seated Shoulder Shrugs

  1. Sit Tall
    Begin by sitting upright with good posture. Keep your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Let your arms relax comfortably at your sides.
  2. Lift Your Shoulders
    Slowly raise both shoulders straight up toward your ears. Focus on moving directly upward—no rolling or rotating.
  3. Hold
    Pause at the top of the movement and hold the shrug for a few seconds.
  4. Lower with Control
    Gently lower your shoulders back down in a controlled motion. Avoid letting them drop suddenly.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Keep your neck relaxed throughout the movement.
  • Avoid rolling your shoulders—this exercise is all about vertical motion.
  • Repeat several times throughout the day to release tension and improve posture.

Take just a few seconds for this stretch and feel the difference it can make in your day!