How to Carry Off Some Every Day Strength Builders
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us are working on strength routines all of the time without even realizing it. When you tote two to three bags around with you every day, or tie into all of the other daily tasks, you are already working out, according to WellAndGood.com.
It All Adds Up
When you load up all of your daily gear, and add a gym bag, and a laptop every morning, you might be surprised how much weight you are lifting and carrying throughout the day. Your body builds muscle as you handle the load.
When you tie into household tasks like vacuuming, mopping, or toting laundry, you are also building strength. Watch your form while you work. Stand up straight and lift with your legs instead of your back.
If you tote toddlers, push strollers, and handle all sorts of other baby equipment, you are building muscles too. Keep children close to you when you lift them, and never bend from the waist. Squat down to power the move with your legs.
When you head outside to garden, trim bushes or move things around in the garage, your muscles get a workout too. Never try to move anything that is too heavy for you and risk ongoing back pain.
Help From 'the Farm'
When you tote stuff at home or work consider turning it into a special workout with the farmer's walk exercise. The farmer's walk is walking in a straight line while carrying heavy weights in your hands. These farmer's walks improve overall coordination and core strength.
To maximize the benefits make sure your shoulders are back and down, and your core is tight. Be aware of your posture and don't try to carry too heavy a weight which will undermine your form.
Fitness trainers say the farmer's walk exercises almost every muscle group in your body as the core, arms and legs all get a workout.
As you think about what you lift, push and carry around every day, you may come up with more specifics. If you can't resist rearranging your furniture, that counts too. If you have several flights of steps at home or at work, you may be upping the impact of everything you are carrying again.
As the list grows, you may want to add your own special workouts such as lifting small weights in the morning before breakfast, or at the end of the day. Wherever you are carrying, toting, and moving things, take your back into consideration, and maintain your form to get the best results.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.