Feel like a slug? 5 moves to boost your energy
By Kathy Kaehler
Sometimes I just feel like curling up on the couch and closing my eyes, or grabbing a diet soda to keep me going. But instead, a little movement is exactly what I need.
Research shows that even 5 minutes of physical activity can effectively boost your energy. So whenever you’re feeling sluggish, try this quick pick-me-up. It will help transport blood and oxygen to your muscles and your brain to revive your body.
Do each of the following exercises for 1 minute, and you should feel ready to tackle the rest of your day.
*Straight Leg Kicks. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, your hands on your hips. Kick your right leg in front of you to about hip height; at the same time, reach out with your left hand and touch your toes. Keep your abs pulled in tightly and your upper body upright. Repeat with the opposite leg and arm. Continue alternating sides for 1 minute. (If you can’t touch your toes on the first few kicks, reach as far as you can. As your body warms up, you should feel more flexible, so continue trying to touch them.)
*Touch Down Reverse Lunges. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step backward with your right foot and bend both knees into a lunge. Your left knee should be directly over your left ankle, your right heel lifted. Touch the floor with your right hand close to the inside of your left foot. Straighten your legs to return to the starting position. Repeat, stepping back with your left foot. Continue alternating legs for 1 minute.
*Butt Squat. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Keeping your abs pulled in tight, bend your knees to lower yourself down into a squat, keeping your knees slightly in front of your ankles and your weight on your heels. Do 2 sets of 10.
*Triceps Dips. Sit on a sturdy chair with your hands on the front edge of the seat, fingers facing forward. Supporting yourself on your hands, walk your feet forward so your butt is just in front of the chair seat, knees straight. Your back should be close to the chair. Bend your elbows to lower yourself down toward the floor, until your elbows are just above your shoulders. Exhale as you use your arms to press back up to the starting position. Do this for 1 minute.
*Ab Pull-Ups. Sit on the edge of the chair with your hands wrapped around the sides of the chair seat. Lean back and extend your toes to the floor with a slight bend in your knees. Lean your upper body back into the chair. Exhale and tighten your abs as you curl your upper body forward and pull your knees in toward your chest. Return to the starting position. Do this for 1 minute.
Excerpted from Kathy Kaehler’s new book, “Fit and Sexy for Life,” due out March 20.
