Starting the day with some movement to wake your body up is like revving a car in the morning – it takes some time, but it will get things running more smoothly. There are so many ways to put movement into your healthy morning routine. So, adopt a new morning habit and start the day with a bang – you won’t want to stop.
- Start right and stay fresh
Revolt against the snooze button. Awakening your senses with a hot shower accompanied by a few of yourfavourite songs is the perfect start and it’s bound to make you smile.
- Exercise the smart way
Working out should not need to take up your whole morning. Brief interval training – concentrated exercise with minimal rest – is just as effective as long sessions. Ten minutes can beat two hours: the key is intensity. Reps, reps, reps. Then rest for 10 seconds after every burst.
- Join the resistance
Stretch your morning potential with a resistance band. They’re a great way to work some movement into your bed-to-breakfast routine. Hold the band and stretch your arms out to open your shoulders. Put it under your feet and grab it to stretch your legs. Ten of each will set you up for the day.
- Salute the sun
Kick-start the day like a yogi with a variation of a ‘sun salutation’. Your hamstrings will be stretched, your posture improved, and your energy will be sky high. Lift your arms and bend at the hips so your hands find the floor. Move down into a press-up, lower your body, and then push your chest and head up.
- Read in bed
We’re all for get up, get dressed and get moving – but only when the day calls for it. Once or twice a week, if those few minutes in the morning is all you have to yourself while we’re stuck indoors, enjoy them. Rest. Read. Do what you feel your body and mind needs. We can always find time for a home workout session later, right? Right.
These 5 tips will help you kickstart healthy movement habits and help you get the most out of your day. Just remember to protect yourself against wetness and odour.
For more information and tips and tricks on how to #MoveMoreAtHome with Shield visit http://www.shield.co.za/ and follow Shield on Instagram (@Shieldza), Facebook (@ShieldZA) and Twitter (@Shield_ZA).