“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” – Plato
Exercising was never one of my strong points, but after I was diagnosed with diabetes and really got down to educating myself on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, I was able to make the commitment to start and maintain a good exercise routine.
We all want to improve our health and fitness, but taking on an exercise routine can be daunting to some of us. And because we lead such hectic lifestyles, sometimes we need quick, easy and effective ways for our exercise routine to make a difference.
Here’s the good news……..
Committing just five minutes of movement at intervals can be beneficial to your body and mind, and get you closer to your fitness goals than you may think possible. Little bursts of movement here and there throughout the day will get your blood flowing and also increase your energy. Put your mind to it, and you just might be surprised by what you can accomplish.
So, what can you do with just five minutes?
Here are a few suggestions for high-impact ways to improve your fitness goals with just five minutes of movement, by Sean Foy, M.A., author of The Burst Workout.♦
- Five minutes of crunches. You’ll see results faster than you ever thought possible with five minutes of crunches, done three or four times a day. You’ll be zipping up your skinny jeans in no time! Crunches help to strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve your posture, which in turn helps prevent lower back pain and muscle injury.
- Five minutes of skipping rope. Your heart will thank you for it. Skipping will improve your heart rate, your balance, coordination, and agility and is one of the best exercises for endurance training and conditioning.
- Five minutes of the plank position. Do a plank for 60 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat this sequence for five minutes. Holding the plank position takes strength and endurance in your abs, back, and core. This exercise supports proper posture and will improve your balance.
- A brisk five-minute walk. Walk from the farthest corner of the parking lot, do it twice a day, and you’ll be well on your way to aerobic heaven. A brisk walk will help strengthen your bones and muscles and improve your mood.
- Five minutes of squats. Hello, lean legs! The muscle stretching from doing squats gets your blood pumping throughout your entire body. Squats can actually improve your overall health and help improve both your upper and lower body strength.
- Five minutes of gentle stretching. You’ll feel more relaxed and limber right away. Stretching will increase your flexibility and range of motion and will help relieve stress.
- Five minutes of meditation. Practicing mindfulness, even briefly, each day will help stress and tension leave your body. Meditation improves concentration and self-awareness and contributes to improving your overall well-being.
Make it a habit!
Starting and sticking with an exercise program is a challenge for many individuals. So plan ahead and give consideration to your personal needs and preferences. Work a few of these five-minute ideas into your day and you’ll soon be on your way to looking and feeling better. You’ll reap the benefits of your commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle.
“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley
Found value? Feel free to share!!
To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Reference:
Four Effective Workouts – by Nutrlite♦
