Fitness State of Mind: Down-Time Tips

Establishing a regular weekly exercise routine is very important in order to reach fitness goals. It creates a block of time where you focus on strengthening your body and improving your health, but true fitness is a state of mind that extends far beyond that one hour out of your day. Every moment you are awake is an opportunity to consciously experience awareness of body and mind. There are many down-time moments that are perfect for enhancing your overall fitness!

Going to Sleep & Waking-Up… Taking just two or three minutes to stretch before you go to sleep and when you wake-up in the morning is an excellent way to enhance your fitness level. You can stretch your arms, legs, and spine right in the bed with very simple movements! This pre-sleep and post-sleep act of stretching will train your body to remember its purpose as an instrument of movement and strength!

Sitting Down & Standing-Up… Before you sit down and after you stand up, take a moment to stretch your body. Touch your toes, reach for the sky, and twist to the side. Every time you stretch, the blood flow to your muscles increases, and positive fitness signals are sent through your body! The sit-down and stand-up act of stretching also helps to reduce stress and create a sense of emotional well-being.

Cooking & Waiting… Chances are, when you’re cooking meals, there’s a little bit of down-time when the vegetables are steaming, the herbal tea is heating, or the soup is boiling, etc. Instead of sitting down or standing idly—just waiting—take the opportunity to do a few squats, lift your legs to the side, or grab something round and strengthen those arm muscles! If you’re walking down a hallway and have a few extra minutes, do some standing push-ups or calf stretches! Plus, it’s way funner to move around than just wait around!

Remember, there are lots of down-time moments throughout the day that offer an excellent opportunity to increase your body’s strength and fitness level! Being active doesn’t start or end with your exercise routine: it starts in the mind and extends to every moment you are awake. Once you get in the habit of being mindful of your body at all times, down-time stretching and exercising will become a natural part of your daily experience!

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