[GrannyGodley]

You're in your favorite big box store. You're tired as the dickens. The crowd is awful. Now you've got to go stand inline waiting to check out. You push your bulging buggy toward the boisterous crowd slamming it out with the friendly (?) cashier and you hear over the inner-com the following announcement.

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Attention XYZ shoppers! Since we care so much about your health and shopping endurance, we have prepared the following interlude to revive your tired achy feet, unwind your tattered nerves, and bring relief to the tired torn tortured back. Now we're going to lead you in a few stretches first of all - hold onto your buggy (don't want anyone to grab the treasure you found - since it was the last one in the store). Rise up on your toes, count to 5, roll back on your heels. Do 5 knee bends. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Do a left half turn to release the back - hold for the count of 5. Do a right half turn to release the back - hold for the count of 5. Take 10 deep breaths and exhale slowly after each one. Now that you're feeling so much better. Turn to your right and give every other shopper a big smile and a "Merry Christmas."

Seriously - I found the following on the VocalPoint email:

But even the perfectly planned shopping trip may hit some snags. One common holdup is the checkout line—even worse, if you’re with the trainee cashier. Instead of locking your knees and standing at attention like a soldier, do some foot and heel stretches. Lift one foot up and rotate the ankle five times; then repeat with the other foot. This’ll loosen your ankle joint and relax your feet, leaving you with energy for more shopping. Another standing-in-line stretch: Point your toes up, then down; repeat 10 times with each foot. This simple stretch will help toe cramps and strengthen your calf muscles. Plus, it’ll give you something to focus on while you’re waiting—rather than being tempted to keep checking your watch, only to get upset.

[dontbreakme]

This reminded me of when I worked at Target and like once a week during the morning meetings held at the front of the store, they made us do exercises. All the while customers watching us and laughing. If you did not have your nametag on you had to lead them.