Whether you are a morning person or not, we all could do things each day to make ourselves feel and look better right? In fact, studies have shown that if we take the time to add a few simple exercises to our morning routines, we will have more energy and just feel better for the day. Not to mention, even a simple morning exercise routine has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase energy and happiness.
No time like the present right? So let us take a look at these five simple exercises that will make you feel alive again:
1. Take a Walk or Go for a Run
This particular exercise offers two benefits: The obvious benefit of exercise but also because it can be done outside allowing you to give your morning routine an outdoor feel. Start with a short walk or run and allow yourself to take a slightly longer route each morning. Running and walking is great for building bone strength, keeps your blood pressure low, your heart healthy and helps to maintain weight.
Also, if by any chance you can not go out for a run or a walk, you can still get the benefits of this cardio training exercise by exercising inside like the fellow on the image below.
2. Jumping Jacks
If you are looking for a way to keep your calves shapely try a couple of jumping jacks in the morning. They are easy to do and are a great promoter of cardiovascular health.
3. Cat Camel Stretch
Who does not love a good stretch in the morning? Not only do you get the chance to shake off your night’s sleep, stretching aids in the prevention of arthritis and helps muscle tone. Another benefit to stretching is that while they are a great part of getting your day off to a better start, they can be done throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or in one position.
The Cat Camel Stretch is simple – kneel down on all fours and start the move by shaping your back to resemble a camel’s hump and bring your head toward your pelvis. This is the “camel” portion of the stretch. Hold for a moment and then lift your head and arch your lower back. This is the “cat” portion of the stretch. Be sure to breathe, move slowly and smoothly and repeat four to five times.
4. Balancing Table Pose
Whether you are into yoga or not, this goes along with our first exercise in the list – stretching. It is not only good for your physical health but also our mental health as it helps with concentration and memory.
You will start this exercise on your hands and knees and remember before starting each movement to breathe. When exhaling, raise the left leg so it is parallel to the floor and at the same time raise your right arm so it too is parallel to the floor. As you lower your arm and leg breathe in and repeat for the other side. A solid ten repetitions on each side is a good way to start.
5. Leg squats.
These are good for the obvious focal point – your legs. But these exercises also involve your hips and knees.
Start out standing with your feet spread a bit further than your hips. You’ll then squat as if you are going to sit in a chair only you will go all the way down to a 90-degree angle. Hold for a second or two and return to the stance you started in. As you start out, doing two sets of fifteen repetitions is going to get you the results you are looking for.
Once you feel that you have enough strength in your legs and want to increase the level of difficulty a little more, you can consider this second variation of squats: the single leg squats.
The Important Take Away
Just managing to do a few repetitions of each of the five exercise listed here is not only bound to keep you fit but also increase your energy during the day, help you sleep better at night and goes a long way in aiding and maintain a healthy weight. You should also see a boost in your brain power as well. You do not need fancy gym equipment or an expensive membership. The beauty of these exercises is that they are simple enough that they do not require a lot of room or time, special trainers or any particular expertise. Of course, you will want to discuss even the simplest exercises with your doctor before beginning otherwise you are the only person holding yourself back so ask yourself “What exactly are you waiting for?”
