"Here are three stretches that make life easier if you spend a lot of time sitting"—a yoga instructor recommends her go-to moves

A woman performs a low lunge in a room on a yoga mat. Her left knee is bent and her right leg lies behind her on the mat. Both her hands are clasped on her left knee for support. Behind her we see floor length windows looking out to a green-filled garden.

Sometimes, there’s no better feeling than taking the weight off your feet after a long day—whether that’s sitting down to scroll your phone after your 9-5 or catching up on your favorite shows on the couch.

But prolonged periods of sitting can contribute to a range of musculoskeletal issues like muscle tightness, joint stiffness, and a weakened core—which can make doing everyday tasks more difficult. Research has also found that high levels of sedentary behavior are associated with an increased risk of cancer, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.