The E4T Exercise blog — we’re working it! For 5 minutes each hour we get up off our couches or lounge chairs and get some exercise. What exercises have you worked into your evening routine?
I’ve been sticking to walking — it’s easier if I don’t have to think too far ahead. But, I may start hopping to develop bone density. (sigh)
6:30 p.m. — Ready? First Set!
Update 7:30 p.m. — pull yourself away from American Idol or the flu movie. At the next commercial break take a real break and take a walk.
Update 9:05 — I’m sorry. I got caught up with a problem here. Is it too late to work in the 8:30 walk?
Update 9:30 — YeeHaa!! This is it. Can you do it one more time?
Hopping is very vigorous, and I suspect it causes cardiovascular benefits.
I committed some this evening, and also some ballet-inspired leg stretches, both reclining and standing.
I highly recommend this type of stretching exercise, as it will keep the self very flexible no matter how many years pass!
Only be careful, if you use a ballet book or site as a guide, DO NOT attempt to turn the legs out into the ballet positions, and only raise the legs to the height you can do without feeling pain. When the athletic young people say “no pain, no gain,” they are not addressing you, nor are they referring to tendon injuries.
The point of the ballet exercises is to do as kbird says and “move,” also to GRADUALLY increase flexibility and muscle strength. The leg that will only rise comfortably a few inches this week, will rise comfortably a few more inches next week, with consistent practice, because you have strengthened the muscle. Your goal should not be to achieve a Rockette height kick, but to enjoy better health and body strength!
Today I took a 45 minute walk, and did some stretches. I also tried on my bride’s maid outfit today (well, part of it, I didn’t bother with the actual sari), and there is no motivation quite like wanting to look better when I know I’ll be paraded in front of approx 300 ppl. It’s time for me to move my Commitment into a higher gear for the next 7.5 weeks.
monalisa, a family wedding kept me motivated through the fall. And when I found out the day of the wedding that family had to walk down the aisle ahead of the wedding party, I was very glad I made The Commitment!
I absolutely recommend The Commitment for wedding preparation.
And Ductape, thank you for the safety reminder. A torn or hurt muscle can completely stop an exercise plan. It just isn’t worth the risk.