Make the Most of Your Day : Try These Easy 10 Minute Exercises
How many little stops and starts are there in your day that simply eat up time, but never leave enough for exercise? For a long time I believed exercise had to come in half an hour or hour blocks, or at least in 20 minute segments. I also gravitated to formal classes and gyms.
But there is new research that shows that small bursts of exercise throughout the day can work just as effectively, if performed correctly. Give it a try; you may find your exercise routine becoming a lot more effective when you give it more flexibility. Start building some 10 minute exercises into these dull moments throughout your day:
Stuck in line at the market?
A few deep breathing exercises will relax you. and a little posture work helps too.
At home cooking dinner?
I have found my kitchen time peeling and chopping vegetables works just fine to do the one leg standing tree yoga pose. It’s known for building muscle and improving balance. Or you can do standing push-ups while you wait for a pot to heat. Stand an arm’s length from the counter and push against the counter for toned arms and shoulders.
Caught in traffic?
Let go of all that frustration and do a few deep breathing exercises or abdomen tightening exercises. Your head will clear and so will your mood.
Sitting in the airport waiting for a flight?
When layovers stretch out or tension sets in, take a quick 10 minute walk to burn off calories and erase tension. Add a few stretches too. Your body will thank you as you relax and make your way through the rest of your trip.
Stuck in the office waiting for a late meeting?
Put the time to work doing some shoulder rolls at your desk or some jumping jacks on the carpet. The body starts moving and the mind snaps back too.
Caught between appointments with extra waiting time?
Instead of sagging into the nearest chair, head outside and take a brisk walk.
Ready early as you leave for work?
Take a quick 5 minute power walk up and down the street.
Stuck at home waiting for deliveries or cleaning services?
Use an exercise bike or treadmill to log in a quick 10 minute workout.
Just waiting for dinner and have a few extra minutes?
Head outside with the kids and shoot a few hoops or bike around the block.
Getting ready for bed and still feel wound up?
Listen to your favorite mellow music and do a few stretches on your yoga mat.
As always when you review your exercises, talk with your doctor and see your chiropractor too. They will have easy exercises that you can use as you choose.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Adam Singer