Taking the Time to Stretch

2007-12-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

One of the best things that I've found to use short periods of time for is taking a few minutes a day to stretch. I usually start off stretching up over my head, then doing some side twists and bends, trunk twists, grab my ankles and bring my legs up as I'm bending forward. I then do some toe touches alternating from one foot to the other. Just try and stretch every part of your body a couple of times a day. It really helps with the flexibility.

Fitness.. Ten Minutes at a Time

2006-07-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

At some point in our life, just about all of us realize we need to start exercising. We need to think about Fitness. Sometimes it's when we glance in the mirror for more than a few seconds, or oftentimes it's at the urging of our doctor. It may be just a few pounds that we've picked up from too many nights chomping down on pizza and pasta, or maybe it's that we look pregnant and we happen to be 40 and male, and possibly celibate. But whatever the case, it affects just about all of us in one way or another.

That's why when I find a tip that helps with this, I like to pass it on. A friend of mine recently told me that he was talking to his doctor and the doctor informed him that he needed to start exercising, to start walking, to get some of the weight off. My friend protested with the usual "Doc, I just don't have the time". With which he replied, "Do you have 10 minutes"? Of course this made his arguments for not having time to walk seem rather null and void.

What the doctor recommended was to start taking short 10 minute walks, 2-3 times a day instead of trying to squeeze in an hour walk sometime during the course of the day. Short walks will provide the benefit of getting the exercise, helping with weight loss, and if we approach walking with this mindset, we'll find it easy to get in AND STAY in the habit.

Another way to use short periods of time is while at home and watching T.V. or whatever else, take 10-15 minutes and do some stretching exercises. You can do some toe touches, side bends, side twists, trunk twists, and throw in a few sit-ups for good measure. I believe what has helped me to remain so flexible and agile in my middle years is the fact that I do some type of stretching exercise everyday. If you get in the habit of doing this, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you'll regain your agility. Try it.

Lastly, I believe fitness is a state of mind. If you think health and fitness you'll tend to be more active and fit. As we age, it's imperative that we keep our bodies moving, and taking a few minutes several times a day to improve fitness will have numerous benefits.