Category: Easy Exercise

Strengthen Your Core With The Lateral Slide


Aloha from the big island of Hawaii!

My awesome hubby is home taking care of the pups while I spend some quality time here with my girlfriends. Moving twice in six months was quite a bit of work so he encouraged me to take some time off for a little rest and relaxation. The beach is a perfect place for that!

I promise he won’t be left out. We are planning a trip for the two of us in the near future. 🙂

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you may have noticed that I never allow the pressures of society to determine whether or not I put on a bathing suit. I recommend that you don’t either. However, I do believe that it’s normal to want to tone the body you’ve been blessed with before you hit the beach. The exercise I share in this video is great way to do that.

First and foremost, this move is a great core stability exercise that can help you maintain good posture and a healthy back. However, it also targets some areas of your body that tend to be exposed more often in the warmer months. There is no such thing as spot reducing, but you can certainly target muscle groups.

Enjoy the video and please remember, the only thing you have to do to get “beach ready” is put on your suit. No exercises are ever required. The best beach body is the one you already rock. 🙂

Have a great week!

P.S. This exercise is not intended to be a substitute for anything a medial professional has prescribed you. It is recommended that you consult a physician prior to starting a new exercise routine. 🙂

Twelve Great Reasons To “Go Green” With Your Exercise

Twelve great reasons to exercise outdoors

Green exercise is considered any form of activity that takes place in urban green spaces like city parks and campuses maintained by people, or in natural green spaces with minimal human upkeep.

Growing research continues to show us that being active in nature boosts your body, mind, and spirt.  Activities like hiking through a forest, cycling through your neighborhood park, and walking along a river are proving to feel good to most people and there is evidence that confirms the benefits.

Some of the benefits of being active in nature compared to the same activites indoors are:

  • more stress relief
  • clearer thinking
  • improved attention and concentration
  • enhanced mood and a happier outlook
  • less anxiety
  • greater self confidence
  • more vitality
  • feeling more refreshed
  • reduced pain sensations
  • less fatigue for the same amount of physical work
  • improved quantity and quality of evening sleep
  • enhanced mindfulness or being more present in the moment

Years ago, I gave up the gym and switched the majority of my exercise to the great outdoors.  It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for my own personal health and wellness.

If you normally like to exercise indoors or at the gym, I recommend mixing things up a bit and giving “green” exercise a try.  I’m not suggesting you give up what is working for you or something you really enjoy. Try alternating your indoor workouts with some outdoor workouts or leisure activities. If it turns out that you aren’t crazy about exercising outdoors you can always go back to your original routine.

Here are some samples of outdoor activities to help you get started.

  • Hike a trail
  • Walk and eat your lunch at a park
  • Walk around a lake or reservoir
  • Walk your dog at a park
  • Play with your kids at the park
  • Play frisbee or another leisure sport on the grass
  • Try light jogging or cycling through a park
  • Paddle a boat or a board on a lake

I recommend you get creative and experiment with what works for you.  Personally, I find that being next to the ocean offers many of the same health benefits I listed above.   Allow yourself to discover where your happy place is that contributes the best to your overall health and well being.  Here’s to a happy and healthy week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer

 

 

How To Perform A “V” Squat

Most people only have so much time that they can or want to dedicate to their strength training routine. That is why I like simple, yet effective, exercises that you can perform anytime and anywhere. The “V” Squat is exactly that. It is simple to do and requires zero equipment. Plus, it works your legs while challenging your core. Bonus!

In the video below I demonstrate how to perform the V Squat. The video is under two minutes and whether you are a beginner or a more advanced exerciser, this move is sure to help you tone and strengthen your muscles. Enjoy the video and have a great week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer