Office workers doing physical exercises during coffee break in Shanghai [Photo: chinanews.com]

Take a minute and try to imagine something that could break the monotony of your daily office work.

A specific set of physical movements designed to brighten up the days of workers who are glued to computer screens are being utilized in many high-rise offices across Shanghai, Chinanews.com reports.

Wang Youshi, who returned to China after several years studying in the U.S., is a typical white-collar office worker who wanted to break his daily cycle of boring office work.

The idea of designing set of physical movements which could be carried out while listening to music, without the need for masses of office space, was one of the many topics he talked about on his brain-storm blog.

The idea was instantly noticed by many of his readers and was quickly put into practice in his small firm. Wang's colleagues, many of whom were born in the 80s, became the first producers and practitioners of this new form of office exercise.

The group of office workers consulted with a number of dance and gymnastics producers at the Shanghai Theatre Academy to help design specific dance moves.

Over the course of several weeks, a complete set of physical movements that blended together signature moves from famous Japanese cartoons, ballet, yoga and Latin dance began to take shape.

A well-known musical producer from the academy also helped to design five different tunes mixed with elements of French folk song, Japanese violin music, and trombone solos.

The tunes alternate as office workers follow set dance routines. Many of those who have tried this new form of office exercise say it helps them to relax their muscles and refresh their minds.

Luo Huihui, a senior judge who has presided over many gymnastics contests at the national level says the set of exercises is a refreshing addition to the workplace, as the physical moves call for a certain amount of concentration, attention and coordination; which could serve as the perfect distraction from routine daily work.

The music used is also unique as it has been designed specifically for the special set of exercises. Since this new form of office exercise first began in June last year, more than 200 companies and their young office workers now regularly practice the routines during their coffee breaks.

Wang Youshi recruited some 20 volunteers by advertising on his blog to visit offices and teach their staff onsite.

The exercises have also been documented on video and can be accessed by all companies that have shown an interest in promoting exercise within the workplace.

Many companies say they have put the video on online sharing platforms so that those workers who are interested can download it and practice the exercises at home before doing so alongside other workers in the office.

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