5 stretches for Blackjack dealers on a dead table
My top 5 stretches for Blackjack dealers on a dead table
1. Pat on the back:
Lift both arms overhead and bend your right elbow so that your right hand lands between your shoulder blades.
Gently grab your right elbow with your left hand and pull it towards your left side and try to keep your chin lifted. Hold in this position for 15 seconds as soon as you feel it stretching. Switch arms and repeat process
2. Shoulder hold:
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Try to relax your shoulders away from your ears and stretch your right arm across your chest. Gently grab above or below your elbow joint with your left hand. Repeat on the other side. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat as necessary
3. Chest & Shoulder:
Place your right hand palm side down about 6 to 12 inches further up on the table felt than your left. Keep your shoulders down and back. Slowly lean your body to the left, away from the center of the chip tray, until you feel the stretch in your chest and shoulder. Hold 10 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side
4. Hand & Forearm:
Place one hand on the table and bend your fingertips towards you, with your palm facing down. Keep your elbow straight and gently lean forward without lifting your hands off the table. If you are not on a table, stretch your arm out in front of you and hold your fingertips with your opposite hand for the same effect. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds on each hand and repeat two to three times
5. Reaching stretch:
Place both hands on a counter or table about halfway the distance you normally reach to get cards/chips. Slowly push your butt and hips backwards while keeping hands in place. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds when you start to feel a decent stretch happening.
*Do not pull hard or bounce on any stretch. That is an easy way to strain or pull a muscle.
*I am not a doctor of any kind
All of these stretches can be done on a dead Blackjack table. Make sure to follow your house rules and that they will alow you to do these. Don't get yourself written up. I do not have any kind of medical degree, I am sharing with you what has worked for me
#blackjackdealerstretches #deadtablegamesstretch #stretchesforblackjackdealers #stretching #flexibility
As a Blackjack dealer, long hours standing and repetitive motions can lead to stiffness and muscle fatigue. Incorporating targeted stretches into your routine during dead table times can promote flexibility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. One of the key benefits of stretching while on the job is preventing the buildup of tension in often overused areas such as the shoulders, forearms, and upper back. The "Pat on the Back" stretch effectively targets the shoulder blades and upper back by lifting the arms and gently pulling the elbow across the body, which helps release tightness caused by holding cards or chips. The "Shoulder Hold" stretch is another valuable exercise that encourages relaxation of the shoulder muscles and improves range of motion. Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, extending one arm across the chest and gently pulling it with the opposite hand decompresses shoulder joints strained by repetitive dealing motions. To engage the chest and shoulder muscles, the "Chest & Shoulder" stretch involves leaning away to open up the front body while providing relief from a rounded posture common when leaning over the table felt. This stretch can help counterbalance forward-flexed positions associated with manual handling of cards. Hand and forearm stretches are equally important for Blackjack dealers, as continual card handling can result in tightness and discomfort. Placing fingertips downward on a surface and gently leaning forward stretches the forearm extensor muscles, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Lastly, the "Reaching Stretch" allows for hip and lower back mobility by pushing the hips backward while stabilizing hands on a surface. This stretch encourages flexibility in the lower body and helps maintain good posture during prolonged standing periods. It is crucial to perform these stretches slowly without bouncing or forcing muscles, as improper technique can cause injury. Dealers should always follow their casino's house rules regarding breaks and permissible activities at the table to avoid any workplace issues. While these stretches are not a substitute for professional medical advice, many dealers find them beneficial for maintaining mobility and comfort during slow periods. Regular stretching can have long-term positive effects on a dealer’s health by improving circulation, reducing muscle fatigue, and minimizing the risk of chronic pain. Incorporating these simple exercises into your gaming day will help you stay flexible, focused, and ready for action when the table becomes busy again.
