The Oaks at Ojai
Do you remember the days when you sat back with a cup of tea, put up your feet, smiled because all the work was done? No, frankly, I don’t either. Like you, if I ever had that much leisure I was too young and naïve to enjoy it. Real life, a busy career, kids and grandkids are wonderful, but my goodness, how they snatch any extra time in the day.
When it comes to staying healthy and brimming with vitality, we can create or multi-task with a few time management tricks to produce pocket-sized workouts. Someone said, “You don’t value what you have until you lose it,” and I believe they were talking about time. To regain some time, select the tips that work. The sessions will not take the place of an hour at the fitness center, playing singles tennis, brisk walking or biking, but they can significantly add to our general health, flexibility and endurance. Exercise has proven to be a mood enhancer, so the next time you’re stressed or out of sorts, sneak in a bit of fitness.
*Don’t watch TV before 6:30. You’ll still be able to find the national and local news, but in that time after getting home, getting dinner, and getting exhausted there’s a good 10 minutes were you can grab a pocket-sized workout such as marching or jogging in place (if you can’t get outdoors). Use that treadmill you bought eons ago and is gathering dust. You can also jump rope, do some yoga, or shoot hoops with the kids or spouse.
*Brown bag your lunch and spend the money you’re saving from restaurant meals on a membership to a gym OR a spa vacation. Or even a subscription to a fitness magazine that will inspire you to be healthier.
*Get up earlier…but go to bed earlier, too. Take an early morning walk. No matter how busy your day becomes, you’ll feel refreshed and virtuous since you’ve met an important health goal.
*Put your walking shoes right next to the front door AS you leave for work…so that this reminder will be there when you get home.
*Or put your shoes and workout clothing next to your bed so that you can see it first thing in the morning.
*Waiting for the hot water to get hot enough to shower or brush your teeth? Perfect opportunity for a pocketsize workout. Do 10 push aways (a standing “push up” done from a sturdy counter). Do more if it takes forever for the hot water to reach the bathroom.
*When waiting for the commuter bus, copy machine, postal clerk—anytime you’re in line, do stomach contractions. No one will know that you’re “working out” unless you share this. Straighten your posture and contract your abdominal muscles. Hold for a count of five and release. Repeat according to how much waiting time you have. This is great while you’re sitting in gridlock traffic too.
*Any moment at all, you can stretch. A pocket-sized stretching session can make you feel more energized and virtuous than a candy bar or cup of coffee. There are stretching classes, stretching videos, and books on the topic too. Here’s one to try right now. Lift your arms over your head and grasp your elbows with the opposite hand. Gently stretch from side to side. If you don’t normally stretch begin slowly. (By the way, this is a good one to use when flying and you’re feeling oh, so cramped in those impossibly tiny airplane seats.)
*At your desk, build your arm strength…any time you’ve in the mood. Sitting on a chair, place your hands closed to your hips and push yourself up. Hold for a count of 5, relax and repeat. If you sit in front of a computer all day, you may want to do this pocket-size workout three or four times an hour.
*Take a coffee break? If you walk to the coffee room, take a detour and do a few laps around your office building, making sure you’re back in time for that next phone call or e-mail. Dash up and down a flight of stairs if you want to boost your energy level.
*Make an appointment, a fitness appointment, for yourself each weekend. Plan for it as you would any important commitment like a doctor’s visit or trip to a friend’s house. Make it happen. Your health depends on it.
Here’s an additional tip for those who get so busy that they forget to workout during the week. Every morning, put your watch or a ring on another hand. Only switch it back once you’ve met your fitness goal. It’ll feel so strange you will not forget. This tip and the pocketsize workouts could help launch a healthier, happier you as you strive to stay fit for life.
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