By contributing writer vsb
Do you wish you had the time and money for gym membership? If you don’t, have no fear, it’s NOT a necessity. What IS necessary is the motivation! Use your own home and forget the extras. Start with these simple stretches to elongate the muscles in your mid-section (your core). Concentrate and focus on what you are feeling in your body.
- Feet apart under shoulders, hands up over head, then slowly touch (or reach for) toes. Come up from this with hands stretched out and lean all the way back (head back) for a count of 10 and stretch stomach and back muscles. Slowly straighten up – repeat 3 times.
- Feet apart, hands up over head, up on toes and balance while reaching for the ceiling for a count of 10 – repeat 3 times.
- Side stretches – Feet apart under shoulders, hands straight out at sides. Lean to one side touching side of knee with one hand while reaching across head with other hand (straight, not bent) to stretch opposite side muscle. Hold for a count of 10 – repeat 3 times on each side.
Side Stretch Photo: Cori/LadyBowTie
- Side twists – Feet apart under shoulders, hands straight out at sides. Twist to look all the way behind and do 3 gentle taps around – be sure to keep hands straight out and feet facing forward throughout twists – 3 taps 3 times on each side.
Side Twist Photo:Cori/LadyBowTie
- Shake out any tightness by touching toes followed by knee up to chest 3 times each leg. Do this any time muscles tighten up.
At the least, continue your stretches once daily (twice would be even better).
For a total workout following stretches, dance or walk. Dance could be as unconventional as an exaggerated twist-turn-stretch-punch-march-swing your hips kind of dance, or repeatedly pace forward 10 steps and reverse 10 steps, all the while pumping elbows back and forth. Twist and stretch every inch of your body (again, concentrate and focus on what you are feeling). Rest as you feel the need but continue until you complete at least 10 to 20 minutes of this vigorous exercise. Reach for toes to stretch out any tightness and to cool down after workout.
Then make it a habit…all in the comfort of your own home, free of charge. Now get moving!!
Thank you vsb! This could not come at a better time. Times are tough and a gym membership is a luxury not all of us can afford. We appreciate any tips and motivation on how to stay fit at home. In order to be your best stylish self you must be your very best healthy self. If you would like to hear more from vsb write to me at cori@ladybowtie.com or if you have any article ideas I would love to hear them.
