If you have trouble getting exercise, stretching, or
mobility work in each day, here's an easy way to get you going:
Upon waking up, spend five
minutes or less on up to three exercises* you can easily accomplish. So
before you look at your phone, before you eat, before you get busy or
distracted, do those exercises. A few great examples of a quick
five minutes of exercise would be:
- One set of side planks, planks and cobras or superman, to an 8 of 10 effort level (not until failure, but to a level where you're challenged)
- Eight gentle sun salutations
Note how both of these suggestions require no special equipment, no shoes, and
no much other than a floor and a little space (which you have!).
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| Personal Trainer San Francisco |
The key to making this
work? Do it first thing in the morning, every morning (yes, even
weekends). The goal is to do this for a month, but focus on each
morning, and set you up for success the night before. Try setting your
alarm for five minutes earlier. Just don't let anything get in the way of
it.
After each five minute
morning routine, you will feel better. I guarantee it.
And be creative and have
fun with it! If you want to do pushups because strength is one of your
fitness goals, that's great, do them! Jumping jacks? Awesome.
Just keep the specific exercises you chose consistent and do them each
day.
*Exercises, not statics
stretching. Why? Because early in the day, compared to later in the
day, your muscles are very likely to be stiffer in the morning, and sensitive
areas of your body like your joints spinal discs have more fluid in them,
making it harder to increase your range of motion comfortably and putting you
more at risk for injury. So keep any movements/exercises you do gentle in
tempo, and listen to your body and avoid pain.
Do you like this tip? Are you practicing certain exercises first thing each morning? Share with us what you're doing on our Facebook page. For added accountability, share it with one of our thriveSF Fitness coaches via email or on our Facebook wall after you complete it each morning.
