Hope all is well. This year is off to a strange start but I have faith that all is going to work out exactly the way it’s supposed to. I like to focus on all the things I can control vs those things I can not. I CAN control how I fix my hair, how often I wash my hands, what I eat and how much and how often I exercise etc. And finding time for a workout is a must to help feel a sense of control and to reduce your anxiety.
I understand it’s difficult. But it’s also very achievable. Between work, chores, old and new stresses, finding the time and headspace to prepare yourself for a workout could seem impossible. Even when you know that exercise will help you feel better, that it will help you balance your mind and body, it’s difficult to will yourself to do the right thing. This is especially true when you think you have to spend a whole hour or even half an hour to exercise.
Fortunately for you, I have a great solution on how you can get a full workout in, without having to schedule extra time into your packed work or TV schedule.
I do this thing called micro workouts, (also known as a snack or quickie depending on what kind of exercise you’re doing) and they can work wonders.
Micro workouts are workouts that you can do in two minutes or less. They do not require any special equipment and can be done anywhere in your home, office, or wherever you find yourself with a few spare minutes.
Micro workouts lead to what is known as a “cumulative training effect.” Not only do these small workouts add up to meet your daily fitness requirements, they also require less rest. When you do a workout for 2 or less minutes, you are not going to get overly tired and you’ll be able to do harder workouts over time. I like to think of them as active minibreaks, which makes me look forward to doing the exercises rather than dreading them.
For example:
- While brushing your teeth, do 3 reps of ten calf raises
- At the office, get up and do 10 squats or take a short walk to the water cooler every hour
- When you are standing in a line at the grocery store, stand on one leg for a count of ten and switch
- When you get home, do three reps of tricep dips off the edge of your sofa or dining chair
These are just some ideas to try. The best strategy is to just look for opportunities throughout the day where you have a few spare moments you are not otherwise using. Then just fit a simple exercise into that moment.
It fits perfectly between work and household tasks, it takes the pressure off your schedule. You don’t need to carve a whole hour to do them. Instead, you do what you can when you can. Just remember, the focus is on increasing mobility so go for exercises that improve your strength, flexibility, and cardio.
I like to stick to basic exercises that include squats, lunges, planks, dynamic stretches, and yoga sun salutations. You don’t need to overthink it.
Over time, you’ll find that micro workouts help keep you feeling fit and fabulous no matter how busy you are every day.
If you’re not sure how to do these exercises or want more ideas, I’m always here to help. Feel free to email or call me anytime you need support on living your best, healthiest life.
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My Fav Quote This Month –
“Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.”
Great advice. Will try this tip.
Have a great day,
Lavonne
Awesome!