It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Parties. Shopping. Gift wrapping.
I get it, you’re busy.
But that’s no excuse to abandon your workout routine until the New Year!
Exercise can help relieve winter stress and have you looking and feeling your best as you spread holiday cheer.
This quick, total body workout doesn’t require a trip to the gym, or even a lot of space. Just your body and twenty minutes of your time.
Perform 10-15 reps (per side) of each move, then immediately move onto the next exercise. When you’ve completed all five, rest for one minute, then repeat the circuit up to four times for a total of five circuits.
Prisoner Squat
Place your hands behind your head with your elbows out. Squat down into a semi-seated position, keeping your knees over your ankles and weight back into your heels. Return to standing and repeat.
Single-leg Balance
Balance on your right leg, lifting the left foot off the ground. Hinging from your hips, lean forward and reach your left hand towards the floor. Slowly return to standing. Perform all reps on the right side then switch the your left leg.
Push-up
Place your hands and knees on the ground with your hands below the shoulders and the knees about a foot away from your hips. With your core held tight, keeping your back flat, drop your chest towards the floor as your elbows bend out to the side. Let your chest come as close to touching the floor as possible, then push back up.
Rotating Plank
Come to a plank position either on your toes or on your knees. Without arching your back, rotate to the right and reach your right arm up to the ceiling. Hold for a count of two, then return to plank. Repeat the rotation on the left side.
Criss-cross Core
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Place your hands behind your head with the elbows out and chin off the chest. Bring your right knee into your chest as you twist your left shoulder towards your right knee. Extend the right leg out as you repeat the movement on the left side. Be sure to keep your elbows out and your chest open.
Enjoy the holidays but don’t let them be an excuse to abandon your routine. Staying active during this busy time will help you stay stress free and make it much easier to get back on track in January.
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