Some of us struggle to find work-life balance while working from home, but Shape Singapore Editor Estelle Low, 32, finds herself being more productive than ever. Having her two young kids around the house and having less personal space have given her laser-focus to prioritise items on her to-do list and made her work more effectively.
During the circuit breaker and Phase 1, what kept her busy and moving while managing editorial work from home was organising various live workouts for Shape on Instagram. And as we enter Phase 2, it is important that we practise social responsibility by continuing to work out at home as much as possible.
She shares more on her go-to yoga stretches that help awaken her mind and body throughout the day.
1. What are your favourite yoga stretches to do to counter work-from-home body stiffness?
I always start off with good posture at my desk, but once I get deep into work, my back and shoulders will round forward, and my face goes closer and closer to my laptop. To counter this slouchy posture, I like to do chest- and hip-opening poses. Some of my favourite ones are cobra, bow, fish, pigeon, frog and deep yoga squat with twists.

“I love the intense stretch the bow pose gives my back and abs, as well as how the surrounding muscles — chest, shoulders, glutes — need to fire up in synchrony to let me balance and hold the pose,” says Estelle Low.
PHOTO: ESTELLE LOW

Doing traditional yoga squats are a great way to stretch your lower body after prolonged sitting. “I like to add left and right twists as it works my spinal mobility and opens up my shoulders at the same time,” says Estelle Low. PHOTO: ESTELLE LOW
In a seated position, I like to do side torso stretches, where I extend my arm overhead and lean to the other side without moving my hips. I also do a simple and effective shoulder stretch, where I clasp my hands together behind me with straight arms, and pull my shoulders as far back as possible. That makes me sit taller and breathe more deeply instantly. As a result, I feel more energetic and think more clearly.
2. Virtual workouts have been a popular way for many to stay active indoors. Did you try Singapore Sports Hub’s 7×7 workouts? How did you feel about these sessions?
Yes, I did. I’m glad to see Singapore Sports Hub offer these accessible, bite-sized workout videos. It’s high time we see fitness as a way of life, rather than an item on a to-do list to be checked. Singapore Sports Hub’s 7×7 workouts send a strong message that anytime is a good time to move, you don’t need lots of time to work out (even seven minutes count) and you don’t have to own any special equipment or a gym membership to start. I like that the workouts are beginner-friendly and varied enough to excite different demographics.