Sneaking in Exercise
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-618 -- More Projects »
Fitness expert Jeanne Ernst says you can reap great health benefits by simply sneaking in small amounts of exercise each day.
- Just stand up at work or home and get your circulation going by doing a little back-and-forth walk. Slip off your shoes if necessary. Women should never exercise in high heels. Add a small step for a more strenuous workout (figure A). Start by leading with the left foot, step to the center of the step, and lead with your heel. Do 10 repetitions, then reverse and lead with your right foot and do 10 more.
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
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Squeeze a rubber playground ball between your legs to exercise the inner thighs. Just sit, place the ball between your knees and squeeze and release (figure B) . If a ball is not available, use a rolled-up bath towel or a pillow.Spend a few minutes pumping soda when you come home from the grocery store. Take two grocery bags and place a 2-liter bottle of soda in each and do 10 minutes of bicep curls (figure C).Add some side raises to work out the shoulders (figure D).Extend your arms behind you to work the back of the arms (figure E).Stand up and sit down 10 times in a row. Do that 10 times in a day and you've done 30 squats. For a more advanced workout, stand in front of a chair and lower your behind until it just touches the chair. Repeat 10 times. Extend your arms as you sit for an added bit of aerobic fun.Try to get in 30 minutes to an hour of exercise three to five times a week. The hectic pace of everyday life can make getting to the gym difficult, so try incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine.Exercise should always be easy. If it's too hard, back up and try something easier. Exercise is easier if taken in small bites. Research shows that getting in 10 minutes of exercise three times a day is just as heart-healthy as one 30-minute workout session.Park farther away from work or the mall and get in some exercise while walking through the lot.Walk a couple of flights of stairs each day. You'll burn fat, boost your circulation and increase your energy level.
Guests Jeanne Ernst
Fitness Expert
E-mail:
jeanneern@aol.com
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