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Fitness Buzz |
November 24, 2009
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There's no doubt about it, having no energy is a real
bummer, especially during this exciting, social, and sometimes chaotic season. But so many people tell me that their #1 excuse for not exercising during the holidays (and often year-round) is that they have no energy to do it; they feel lethargic, grumpy, and are missing that get-up-and-go spark.
I find that when people first start to exercise, they're often motivated by the obvious: toned abs, dropping some pounds, etc. But what keeps you (and me) coming back for more, in the long run, is something a little less superficial, and a lot more powerful: The amazing rejuvenating power of exercise. Nothing else provides so much energy, clarity, positive feelings, and that incredible feeling of rejuvenation. And couldn't we all use some of that right about now? Here are my top tips for full-body energizing:
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Has Your GET UP and GO
GOT UP and Went?
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Wake Up & Smell the Motivation!
Lately, I've been in need of some rejuvenating myself. I'm on a long road trip with my daughters. We're having the time of our lives, but as we all know, travel can be draining. I love to get my juices flowing in the morning with my "Wake Up Workout." If you warm up in stages, you'll be prepped for a full workout - or just a full day - and the best part? You do it in bed!
- Lie down flat on your back, with your palms turned upward. Beginning on the left side, inhale and contract and tense your foot. Squeeze and hold for 5 seconds and then exhale and release. Repeat on the right foot and follow that pattern all the way up your body (from foot to calf to thigh, etc). Inhaling, squeezing, exhaling and releasing - and go all the way from toe to head!
- Then, do a full-body squeeze: Tense all your muscles at once, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, and hold it for about 5 seconds. Release, take a few breaths, repeat the "full-body squeeze" two or three more times and head out the door. Trust me - after this little rejuvenating exercise, you'll be ready to go!
Lights Out!
For some people, letting go and relaxing at night is the biggest obstacle to a healthy lifestyle. When someone tells me they're lacking the energy to exercise, my first question is "What time did you go to bed last night?" A good night's rest is just as important for managing your energy levels.
Here are one of my favorite restoring poses. Some call it "Viparita Karani." I call it "Legs Against The Wall." (It's just easier):
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Lie on your back with your legs straight up the wall.
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If possible, have your sitbones touching the wall.
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Soften your belly and relax your inner groin.
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Take long, deep breaths, and hold for one minute, focusing on stillness and letting go. This pose is the queen of yoga poses when it comes to relaxing and rejuvenating.
If you can find a way to transition your body from day to night, you'll find a way to energize and restore. That's why I created my new Energize & Restore Kit. This brand new package will help you tone and strengthen the entire body, renew energy and vitality, and restore that elusive feeling of youth. Its unique design will increase circulation, sending oxygen to your whole body for a renewed sense of well-being.
The secret weapon is the FitRoller - one of my all-time favorite fitness tools - which completely massages away the tension of the day. Click here for a Sneak Peek. But it doesn't stop there - the FitRoller also provides the body with a unique balance challenge to strengthen the core and restore overall ability and fitness. So it provides the best of both worlds, helping you re-discover that get-up-and-go you've been missing, with some astonishing waist-whittling core strengthening exercises, and also releasing the worries of the day, quieting the mind and relaxing the body.
For under $30 you're kit will include:
- Fit Roller
- New 30 Minute DVD that includes three 10 minute workouts, A.M. Energize, P.M. Unwind and Core Renewal
- Instructional Exercise Chart
This new DVD program is designed to activate your body for the day with the AM Energizer and then relax and de-stress with the PM Unwind, add the Core renewal and you'll be ready for the hectic holiday pace - travel, family, cooking, gifting - this kit will rescue you from seasonal sluggishness AND stress.
Time is a precious commodity, especially during the holidays so these 10 minute workout routines can truly fit into anyone's schedule! And while we work to manage the clock, we've added some helpful hints in this weeks bodyIQ section help you and your guests keep your waistline trim this holiday season!
Wishing you all a healthy and bountiful Thanksgiving!
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