Your exercise tip – Stretch as you strengthen
When we begin to exercise our bodies back into shape, our muscles become more synchronised and stronger, which increases our general quality of life and our confidence. An issue that is not commonly addressed is the flexibility or the body’s ability to move through its normal range freely, without restrictions due to rigidity. With this increased strength and rigidity combination, the issue then arises that we have more force on these tight areas. In the end, something will give, usually muscle strains or tendon or ligament damage.
Have at least one designated day where your aim is to stretch and improve on the rigidity, having what is referred to as an active rest day. The added benefit of releasing tightness (for example in the back) is less pressure on the discs between the vertebrae, from the muscles, and a possible reduction in pain (if you suffer any).
Your health tip – keep the mind active as well as the body
Most of us will keep our body active at stages, or look after our skin and our hair, but how often do we maintain our mind?
Exercising the mind could be as easy as reading a book, learning music, or just learning a new skill to help with day to day life. Some studies on the effects on your mind have been shown to keep you sharp, mentally strong and help with more rationality to decisions.
Exercise of the week
This week I will cover an exercise for the upper body and upper arms, particularly the shoulders and triceps (muscles at the back of the upper arms) floor dips
This a great exercise to try at home and can really help with improving parts of your posture.
- Sit on the floor with the legs out, and the knees slightly bent. Lift the hips up off the floor, then bend the elbows and lower the bum to the ground.
- Try and maintain a smooth movement, and a slow even pace.
- Breathe in as the elbows bend and you lower, then out as you straighten them.
- If it hurts, stop.
Your life tip
QTIP – quit taking it personally
This week’s wise words
‘You are someone’s reason to smile.’
Have a great week and keep healthy in 2016. David.