Stretch Break is a simple utility that will remind you when it is time for you to take a break from your computer and do some simple exercises to help you keep reasonably fit. This will help you prevent unnecessary pain provoked by Repetitive Strain Injuries. The whole program’s performance can be customized to fit your needs – background music, reminder’s message, type of exercises, etc.
The program’s interface will automatically pop up according to your scheduled preferences. To set up the frequency of your breaks you can either choose a fixed number of minutes between stretch breaks, or specific times from a times table covering all day in half hour intervals (the recommended time lapse in between breaks is 30 minutes). You can also decide on which and how many stretches you want to be shown at each break.
The interface comes with two main panels – on the left-hand panel you may read a description of the stretch you are required to do, while the right-hand panel will show you a video of how to do the same stretch correctly. Both pieces of information - written and graphical - are perfectly synchronized, and they can be enhanced by selecting your preferred background music. Once the stretch break has finished, a message will pop up offering you a simple piece of advice regarding a good habit to be followed while sitting at your computer. The program will then go back to your system tray area and will remain there until it is time for the next scheduled break.
Stretch Break is an excellent idea. We all know the things we should and should not do when sitting at our desks for endless working days, but it is also true that we all need reminding. Besides, watching a video that shows you what to do and how to do it properly is always nicer than just going through your list of exercises in a post-it note.
v6.6.1 [May 1, 2013]
It includes Yoga-based stretches and relaxing background music. Users can now select any one of three progressively larger graphics to remind users that it is time to stretch.
- It includes 11 standing stretches and a Smart Timer Option that modifies the time between breaks based on keyboard and mouse activity. It also allows users total control over the sequence of the stretches that appear on the screen.
- It contains comprehensive Healthy Computing module with guidelines for setting up an ergonomically correct workstation as well as a series of hints on how to avoid injuries when using your computer. 21 ErgoReminders reinforce good ergonomic principles.
