Workouts don’t always have to be long to be effective. The following exercises, which will take up about five minutes a day, are designed to reduce tension in the body in a short time,” says Angela Jenkins, co-founder of Kaizen Exercise Physiologists. “Find a quiet place and complete each exercise at low intensity for 90 seconds. The movements should be relaxing and make you feel lighter and more energised afterwards.”
It you can, stand on a patch of grass to do these exercises. Exercising in natural environment is associated with greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and a decrease in tension, anger and depression.
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Breathing Squats
Start with feet shoulder-width apart and hands in front as if holding a large ball. Breathe in and squat down to a depth that feels comfortable, keeping your heels on the ground. On the way up take a deep breath in and draw your arms up to shoulder height.
Kaizen Swing
Stand with knees slightly bent and feet shoulder width apart. Swing your arms loosely across the front of your body, allowing hips to move. Keep your head still but move your ankles and knees while you find your natural rhythm.
Spinal Breathing
Standing, join your forearms and hands in front of your body. Inhale and open up your chest, arching backwards and moving your hands and elbows back behind your body, squeezing shoulder blades together. Let your hips naturally tilt forward, and drop the head back. Exhale and reverse the movement.
Text: Good Health, Bauer Syndication. Additional Reporting: Zarelda Marie Goh