Home Exercise Gym

10-Minute Home Workouts for Busy Professionals: Quick No-Equipment Exercises for Busy Schedules

Are you a working professional with a busy schedule? Are you looking to get more exercise in your day-to-day routine? Even a minimal amount can have a very positive impact on your overall health. Here is a list of options that are suitable for you (as a busy professional) and give you opportunities to incorporate more movement into your daily routine.


Here is a brief overview of the different options available to you for exercise!

Jumping Jacks

Jumping Jacks are an easy and fast full-body workout. They are great for building up bone density and strengthening hip muscles. Jumping jacks are a great way to start your day, and you’ll feel much better after a quick round of these!

Jumping jacks are a fantastic exercise for boosting overall cardiovascular health. As a classic aerobic activity, jumping jacks get your heart pumping and increase your breathing rate, making them one of the most effective ways to enhance your cardiovascular fitness. When you perform jumping jacks, your heart rate rises, allowing your body to deliver oxygen-rich blood more efficiently to every cell and tissue.

But the benefits of jumping jacks go far beyond just heart health. One often overlooked advantage is the positive impact on brain function. The vigorous, rhythmic movement involved in jumping jacks increases blood flow not only to your muscles but also to your brain. This enhanced circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, which can help improve focus, boost mental clarity, and elevate your mood. Aerobic exercise like jumping jacks has even been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein that supports learning, memory, and the growth of new brain cells. Regularly including jumping jacks in your workout routine can help reduce stress, sharpen your thinking, and support long-term brain health, making it a great addition to any quick home workout.

Arm Circles

Arm circles are a straightforward and efficient exercise that can be performed almost anywhere, requiring no special equipment. They are particularly beneficial for warming up the shoulders and improving flexibility.

How to Perform Arm Circles

According to Eskenazi Health, arm circles begin in a standing position shoulder-width apart and require simple forward and backward motions. Exercise of the Month: Arm Circles Looking for an added challenge? Consider adding light weights in each arm simultaneously!
Benefits of Arm Circles

Arm circles are not only easy to perform but also offer several benefits:

Do Arm Circles Really Work?

  • Shoulder Strengthening: Regular practice helps in strengthening the shoulder muscles, which are crucial for daily activities like lifting groceries or performing household chores.
  • Improved Flexibility: They aid in enhancing the flexibility of the shoulder joints, reducing the risk of injuries. Prolonged periods of sitting or low-activity can cause the shoulder joints to become stiff over time.

Incorporating Arm Circles into Your Routine

Given their simplicity and effectiveness, arm circles can be easily integrated into your daily routine:

  • Warm-Up: Use them as a warm-up exercise before engaging in more strenuous physical activities.
  • Part of a Comprehensive Workout: Combine them with other exercises to create a balanced workout regimen.

Incorporating arm circles into your daily activities can contribute to better shoulder health and overall physical well-being.

High Knees

High knees are a simple, accessible exercise that can be performed anywhere—making them a great choice for those looking to support knee strength and flexibility with no equipment required. This exercise involves lifting your knees alternately toward your chest in a marching or jogging motion.

According to Wikhow, 3 Ways to Do High Knees – wikiHow High knees begin in a standing position. The objective is to bring your knees as closely as possible to your chest. You have the option of varying speed and height.

Why High Knees Are Beneficial

  • Strengthen Muscles Supporting the Knee: This movement activates the quadriceps, hip flexors, and calves—muscles crucial for stabilizing and supporting the knee joint (HSS Move Better).
  • Improve Mobility and Balance: High knees promote dynamic flexibility and balance, key for knee health and injury prevention.
  • Low-Barrier Cardio: As highlighted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, they raise your heart rate, offering a cardio workout that also strengthens the legs.

Tips for Healthy Knees

  • Start Slowly: If you’re new to exercise or have knee concerns, begin with a marching motion and focus on form over speed. Don’t worry too much initially about distance or speed – that will build up over time.
  • Mind Your Range of Motion: Only lift your knees as high as is comfortable for you.
  • Listen to Your Body: The Harvard Health guide recommends avoiding pain and focusing on gentle, controlled movements to support joint health.

Incorporation Into Your Routine

High knees can be performed as part of a warm-up, between strength exercises, or in short cardio bursts throughout the day. Aim for intervals of 20–30 seconds, resting as needed, and gradually increase your duration as your strength and endurance improve.

Squats

Squats are one of the most efficient full-body exercises you can do at home without any equipment, making them perfect for busy professionals. This classic move targets your lower body, primarily working your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and even your core muscles for added stability.

Benefits:

The benefits of squats extend far beyond toned legs. Harvard Health highlights that squats strengthen the muscles that support the knees and hips, improving balance, mobility, and posture—crucial for anyone who spends long hours at a desk.

A basic squat is an easy exercise which begins in a standing position. With your chest up, you’ll want to lower the core of your body as close to the ground as possible, and return to a standing position.

Maintain a straight back throughout and avoid letting your knees move past your toes.

Duration:

This is completely up to you. For a quick home workout, aim for 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, resting 30 seconds between sets. With proper form, this takes just a few minutes and can be integrated easily into your daily routine—no equipment, no fuss, just results.

Hip Circles

Hip circles are a dynamic, no-equipment exercise that builds hip strength, mobility, and stability—essential for busy professionals looking to stay active in tight schedules. American Sport and Fitness highlights ten key benefits, Top 10 Benefits of Hip Strengthening Exercises with Hip Circles including better posture and athletic performance. 

How to

Hip circles are done from a standing position – simply move your hips in a circular motion! Hip Circles | Illustrated Exercise Guide 

Incorporate hip circles into a 10-minute home routine as a warm-up exercise. Begin with 30 seconds in the clockwise direction, and 30 seconds in the counterclockwise direction. Ensure that you’re performing this at a comfortable pace. Give hip circles a spot in your daily routine—your hips, posture, and performance will thank you!

Try adding one or more of these exercises to your day-to-day routine! It’s important to incorporate exercise through your day-to-day activities, not just in dedicated workout sessions. Whether you’re at your desk, taking a short break, or winding down at home, these simple movements—jumping jacks, arm circles, high knees, squats, and hip circles—offer flexible options to fit into even the busiest schedule. By weaving short bursts of activity into your routine, you’ll not only boost your physical health but also improve your focus, energy levels, and overall well-being. Remember, the key is consistency: start small, choose exercises you enjoy, and gradually build them into daily habits. Over time, these quick exercises can make a significant difference—helping you feel stronger, more energetic, and better equipped to handle the demands of your professional life. Your health is an investment worth making, no matter how busy your day gets.

July 2, 2025 by Health Tips 0

Combat Desk Posture with Bodyweight Workouts for Programmers

Planking - combat desk posture with bodyweight workouts for programmers

The easiest way to combat desk posture is with bodyweight workouts for programmers. Bodyweight workouts are a great way to improve your flexibility and strength. A study from (Jung et al, 2021) aiming to understand the effects of sitting for long periods noted a significant increase in body discomfort during a prescribed set of exercises after sitting for 30 minutes. These exercises are also critical for helping you avoid many posture problems arising from sitting for long periods. The best way to combat desk posture is through bodyweight exercises which strengthen muscle groups. In a few minutes daily, you can easily counteract the negative effects of desk posture and sitting for long, extended periods.

Exercise #1 – Jumping jacks

Are you looking for a quick and fun way to boost your cardiovascular fitness and improve your posture? Jumping jacks are an easy, no-equipment-required exercise. Jumping jacks are designed to build muscular strength. They work both the hip flexor muscles and quadricep muscles. 

Posture is important when doing jumping jacks. Ensure that your feet are at an equal distance apart. Doing this exercise with poor posture is a terrible idea as doing so can negate the positive impacts of this exercise.

Exercise #2 – Squats

Squats were demonstrated to positively impact individuals suffering from lower back pain. Participants in a study began in a standing position with their arms extended forward, and extended their knees forward while holding this position for 3 seconds. The researchers in this study observed a very significant positive impact on the participants’ range of motion. Because squats have a positive impact on lower back pain sufferers, squats can also have a positive benefit on posture.

Exercise #3 – Planking

Planking is a fast, easy exercise that does not require any equipment. It only takes a few minutes to plank. Most importantly, it improves your posture and reduces the risk of injuring your back. It’s targeted at the core of your body, meaning that you’ll be able to sculpt that appearance that you have always wanted through planking regularly. Planking also burns calories, and is known for being a great option for weight loss.

It’s as easy as placing your body into a push-up position and holding this for a specific period. Hold the plank position for 30-60 seconds to begin and gradually increase over time. Planking has the same benefits as doing abdominal crunches for the core while being a much safer option than crunches. 

Exercise #4 – Shoulder Shrugs

Don’t forget about the upper body. Shoulder shrugs are an exercise that you can easily do while you’re sitting down. This is a common exercise used in shoulder rehabilitation, because of its ability to strengthen the shoulder muscles. For your shoulders to function correctly, a strong scapula (shoulder muscle) is essential.

All you need to do is to raise your shoulder toward your ear, and gently lower it back down. Aim to do this for at least 20-30 times in the beginning, and gradually increase the number over time.

These exercises are great ways to build your body’s overall strength. These are simple ways to counteract some of the negative effects of sitting throughout the day. Sitting for long periods is negative for your overall health, and the great way to overcome the negative effects is with targeted exercise.

Jung, K.-S., Jung, J.-H., In, T.-S., & Cho, H.-Y. (2021). Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Slumped Posture on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Adolescents with and without Chronic Lower Back Pain. Medicina, 57(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57010003


August 14, 2024 by Exercise Tips 0

What is a 5 Minute Morning Exercise For Beginners Without a Gym?

What is a 5 Minute Morning Exercise For Beginners Without a Gym?

A 5 minute morning exercise for beginners without a gym is a great way to start the day! This is a perfect routine for people with no time. When you start your day off right with this simple 5 minute routine, you’ll feel energized and ready to take on the rest of the day. Modern life is fast-paced and busy.

Many studies have demonstrated the value of even a tiny amount of exercise on a daily basis. S

 Consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine, and you’ll start the day off right. Here is a quick 5 minute routine that you can incorporate into your day-to-day exercise habit!

Minute 1: Stretch

Daily stretching improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and improves your overall range of motion. The key is to ensure that you’re stretching each of the main muscle groups in your body (Chest, Back, Abdominal, Arms, and Legs). Aim to hold each stretch for at least 10-15 seconds. 

You can easily stretch your back and leg muscles while lying down in bed. Simply lie flat on your back, bring your legs toward your chest and hold the position for a period of 15 seconds each. Arms/shoulders can easily be stretched while seated. Extend your right to the left side and hold it with your left hand. Repeat with the left arm, and extend it to the other side. 

Minute 2: Push-ups

Push-ups are another simple exercise that you can do in just 1 minute per day. Aim to complete 40-50 of these in a 1-minute session. Push-ups have benefits for both muscle strength and cardiovascular health. Just aim to keep your back straight, place your hands at shoulder-width apart from one another, and repeat the push-up motion.

Minute 3: Mountain Climb

This is an easy and fun core workout! Mountain climbs begin in a pushup position. Instead of doing a pushup, bring your legs forward and backward as if you were running in place from a pushup position. Aim to complete 20-30 of these at various paces, both slow and fast. It’s easy to accomplish this in a few minutes or less each day. These have been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular function and range of motion in the legs.

Minute 4: Burpee

A burpee exercise begins from a standing position. Start by moving your legs side by side inward from the push-up position (similar to doing a mountain climber). Jump back up, and clap your hands in the air. While jumping back up, bring your legs inward toward your chest. This can be a difficult exercise, especially if you’re a beginner. Aim to do 10-20 of these in a minute. As part of a series of similar exercises in a research setting, Burpees demonstrated significant improvements in body oxygen uptake and endurance.

Minute 5: Run In Place

If you can’t run outside, running in place indoors can have the same cardiovascular benefit. Run in place for the last minute of your exercise. It’s a great way to build your strength, as you’re shifting your weight from one leg to another. It’s a great alternative to exercising outside if you are unable to run outside.

There’s nothing that should hold you back from adding exercise to your day-to-day routine! It’s a critical part of your day, and neglecting it means that you’ll neglect your health and future health needs. A brief daily exercise routine can help you make consistent progress toward health and wellness goals. 

June 2, 2024 by Core 0

Software Developers: Combat Desk Posture with Bodyweight Workouts – Can Remote Workers Fix Rounded Shoulders?

Correct rounded shoulders with bodyweight exercise

Impact-Site-Verification: 9ac7c5b1-0085-418f-8746-3b202f9626ed Does your day-to-day job mean that you’re spending a lot of time sitting? It’s simple and easy to combat desk posture problems with bodyweight workouts. Body weight workouts are convenient because you don’t have to use any equipment. If you live in an apartment, body weight workouts can be a part of your day-to-day routine! Here are a few practical suggestions for exercises that you can try to correct your posture issues.

Shoulder Rolls

Shoulder roll exercises for 2 minutes per day were used by participants as a part of a study involving desk workers in Brazil. Along with wall slides and shoulder retractions, shoulder rolls were demonstrated to improve range of motion. This was done in a full circle movement, where participants rotated their shoulders in a back-and-forth motion several times per day.

Stretching With Elastic Bands

Over time, poor posture caused by extensive device use constrains shoulder flexibility. Elastic bands were used in a Japan-based study to improve shoulder muscle strength. A cause of rounded shoulders is muscle shortening due to poor posture. Elastic band exercises have a positive impact on shoulder flexibility. These exercises aid in extending these shoulder muscles and improving the range of motion.

Shoulder Rotations

A Korea study used shoulder rotations as a part of an exercise routine for improving the muscle activity in participants. With the participant’s arms bent at a 90 degree angle, the participants held their arms up with their palms facing outward. The participants then moved their arms in an inward and outward motion. This is a simple exercise which can easily be done while sitting.

Foam Roller Exercises

As a software developer, there is a very good chance that you spend a lot of time in front of an electronic device. A study included participants experiencing shoulder pain due to technology use. Foam roller exercises were used to release stiff muscle joints. The results of this study indicated lower levels of muscle pain among the study participants. A foam roller can be used to massage the shoulder joints after prolonged device use.

Improving shoulder strength is a great way to reduce your odds of injury. Even as a software developer, you’re still able to improve your shoulder strength and flexibility. With a few basic exercises that you can perform in minutes per day, you are able to build your strength up and improve your overall health.

April 23, 2024 by Core Exercise Tips 0

How to stretch your neck, shoulders, and hips after a long day of sitting

stretch your neck shoulders and hips after a long day of sitting

Sitting takes a toll on your body. The easiest way to counteract the negative effects of sitting is by stretching your neck, shoulders, and hips after a long day of sitting. Stretching improves flexibility and is an easy and quick way to improve your overall health. People who sit for long periods are at a greater risk for blood clots and chronic pain. If you work from a desk environment, many stretches can be done while sitting or working. Here are a few examples of stretches that you can do daily to improve your overall health and wellness.

Standing

Don’t forget to periodically stand up throughout your day. Some individuals prefer standing desks. While this may not offer a substantial benefit in terms of calories burned, standing up throughout your day can mean that there are slightly more calories burned throughout your day when comparing the option of sitting down. Standing is a great way to reduce your risk of developing blood clots in your legs!

Lunges

Lunges are a quick, simple way of being able to stretch your legs and lower body. Simply place one leg on the floor, and extend the other leg forward at a 90-degree angle. This exercise will allow you to gain additional mobility in your hamstring muscles. Experiment with the amount of time that you hold this position for – consider holding this position for 30 to 60 seconds initially, and gradually increase the period of time. Once you have completed this exercise for one leg, be sure to repeat it for the other leg.

Neck Stretches

Long periods of sitting create additional pressure on your spinal cord. As you may know, sitting for long periods can also lead to a stiff neck. Begin by relaxing your left shoulder. Tilt your head toward your left shoulder, and hold this position for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat this exercise for your other shoulder. This is a quick shoulder exercise that will reduce the inflammation around your shoulder muscles.

Pushups

This is not technically a stretch, however, these can have major benefits which are similar to stretching. Pushups are a great exercise for the upper body. This exercise is also a great way to improve your posture, and burn calories. These exercises are a great way to stabilize your back muscles and protect yourself from injury. They help to build your arm muscles and burn calories at the same time. Pushups are also easy to measure! Challenge yourself to do more pushups than the previous day to make it more fun. 

Hand Stretches

This is the most often neglected muscle group in our bodies! Hands are useful for everything! We often forget that our hands have muscles as well, and are also prone to stress injuries. Periodically make a fist and hold it for 20-30 seconds. Making a fist can help with stretching the finger muscles to avoid hand injuries. 

Sitting for a long period can result in several health risks. That’s why movement and exercise are important for your overall health. It’s very easy to add movement to your day-to-day routine, even if your daily routine involves sitting for long periods. Be creative, but be safe and find new ways to move your body throughout the day. This will help you avoid injuries and possible negative long-term health effects.

February 25, 2024 by Exercise Tips Health Tips Strength Training Stretching 0

Can a 10-minute speed yoga transition torch as much fat as Tabata or HIIT?

Can a 10-minute speed yoga transition torch as much fat as Tabata or HIIT?

Can a 10-minute speed yoga transition torch as much fat as Tabata or HIIT? High speed yoga is as the name suggests – doing standard yoga poses at a higher speed. These poses also tend to be more intense than regular yoga poses. It’s an intense experience that is designed to push the limits of the body. You’ll be doing a lot more breathing in and out with speed yoga transitions than you would normally do with a regular yoga pose.

Tabata is different from power yoga because it’s a form of exercise focusing on short intervals. It’s designed to produce elevated heart rates for short periods. HIIT is very similar because it is another form of exercise that focuses on intense intervals of physical activity. 

10 minutes of yoga can be a great mood booster, and a great way to start your day. Especially with speed yoga, it’s a great way to get into motion for the day. Tabata, HIIT, and speed yoga are all popular forms of exercise. Any form of movement is always great for your health!

How is fat burned?

Your body consumes fat through a biochemical process. Your body consumes stored fat as energy to perform tasks. You’re always consuming calories, even while sitting. Exercise is the fastest way to consume excess calories that are not needed. Fat leaves the body through sweat and carbon dioxide while you exercise. That’s why it’s recommended to exercise frequently when you’re attempting to lose weight.

When carbohydrates and other fats are consumed, the bloodstream transports these fat molecules throughout the rest of the body. Enzymes break the stored fat molecules down to be used later on during exercise. Fat is burned, and energy is produced! What’s most relevant is that the more you breathe or sweat, the more you’ll burn!

The Verdict

All forms of physical activity are great! Based on the Compendium of Physical Activities, Power Yoga consumes approximately 4 times the number of calories that you would burn from sitting. HIIT and other high-intensity workouts consume 4.3 times the number of calories that you would burn from sitting. There is somewhat of a greater additional calorie burn rate for High-Intensity Interval Training and other intense exercises, but the calorie burn rates are very similar based on the data! 

February 3, 2024 by Cardio Exercise Tips Health Tips Yoga 0

Unlocking the Power of Vitamin D: A Guide to Boosting Bone Health and Wellness Through Proper Consumption

vitamin d the sunlight vitamin

Vitamin D is often known as the sunlight vitamin For bone health, it is very important for bone health that you consume it on a regular basis. It’s one of the 4 essential vitamins, and there are plenty of great sources of the vitamin which are available to you. The consequences of a vitamin D deficiency are very severe, meaning it’s important to consume it on a regular basis to maintain your overall health and wellness. Here are examples of sources of this essential and beneficial vitamin. The recommended amount of Vitamin D consumed on a daily basis is 400-800 International Units.

Milk

It’s widely known that milk is a rich source of Vitamin D. In one 8 ounce glass of milk, you’ll find approximately 110 International Units of Vitamin D. Consuming approximately 4-6 8 ounce glasses of milk per day will provide for the full amount of your recommended daily vitamin D serving. Milk also has calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your overall health.

Fish

According to the USDA guidelines, Rainbow Trout is a great source of Vitamin D with over 645 International Units. This is followed by salmon at between 383-570, and a serving of only 3 ounces of either fish is able to suffice. Fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, and is also known for being a lean source of protein. Fish is the richest source of Vitamin D on the USDA guidelines list.

Orange Juice

Just one cup of orange juice has 114 IU of vitamin D!  You won’t necessarily find vitamin D in cold-pressed orange juice because it’s not a natural part of an orange. Vitamin D is often added to standard orange juice before it is sold. This is the same size as a small glass.  It’s very easy to get a large amount of your body’s necessary vitamin D when you wake up. Because fat is not required for absorption, orange juice is a great option for adding vitamin D to your diet.

Cheese

Just a tiny amount of cheese is packed with Vitamin D. Fortified American Cheese is another great source of Vitamin D. Just 1 and ½ ounces of cheese has 104 IU of Vitamin D. Naturally, cheese can contain up to 30 IU of vitamin D. Aside from being a rich source of Vitamin D, it’s also packed with other nutrients. These include Vitamin A and calcium, which is a critical mineral for bone health. Cheese is a great snack when you’re looking for a quick and nutrient-packed bite to eat.

Sunlight

Sunlight is another great way to get Vitamin D! This is a perfect option during the summer months. Sunlight also does not cost anything, which makes it an excellent option when the sun is out. Approximately 15-30 minutes of sun exposure per day will provide your body’s required daily amount of Vitamin D. During the winter months, or at times when it’s not possible to go outside – it’s important to supplement with additional Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is important for bone and immune health. Especially during the winter months, you may not be getting enough of it. That’s why it’s important to make Vitamin D a regular part of your diet.

November 13, 2023 by Health Tips 0

How to Recover Faster from Your Home Workout with Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Recover Faster from Your Home Workout witRecover Faster With Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Nutrition is a part of overall health, and a great way to recover faster from your home workout is with anti-inflammatory foods. Here is a brief overview of the benefits of eating anti-inflammatory foods before or after exercise, as well as a few examples of foods with anti-inflammatory properties. 

What are anti-inflammatory foods?

Anti-inflammatory foods are foods that have the ability to reduce or slow damage to your body caused by environmental factors, stress, and aging. Too much inflammation results in serious chronic diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes. 

Anti-inflammatory foods are typically antioxidant-rich sources of nutrition. Olive oil, vegetables, fish, and green vegetables are great examples of anti-inflammatory foods. These are able to have a very positive impact on your overall health and well-being.

1. Anti-inflammatory foods slow aging

Research demonstrates that inflammation in the body is a major accelerant of aging. This is due to damage caused by radical oxygen species in the body. In all parts of the body, including even the eyes, reactive oxygen species are demonstrated to cause inflammation and aging. A study looking at the retina has discovered that reactive oxygen species cause damage to the retina over time.

These anti-inflammatory foods work by restoring antioxidant activity and other critical components of overall health. Free radicals cause damage to DNA and living cells through chemical interactions. Anti-inflammatory foods have Antioxidants that are able to absorb these damage-causing free radicals to prevent further damage.

2. Anti-inflammatory foods are a mood booster

A significant component of mood is nutrition, as there is a clear link between nutrition and improved mood. Your intestines have receptors for serotonin, a chemical that your body uses in order to regulate your mood. When anti-inflammatory foods are absorbed by the intestines, your body’s serotonin levels get a major boost. As added evidence of the benefits of anti-inflammatory foods, processed foods have the opposite effect.

3. Anti-inflammatory foods help your body heal faster

Anti-inflammatory foods are great for helping your body counteract the effects of chronic disease. Inflammation is the body’s response to being injured. Over time, too much inflammation is what causes chronic heart, brain, lung, and liver diseases. Because anti-inflammatory foods support the immune system, this means that your body is able to recover quickly from illnesses or even exercise. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory foods are able to lower cholesterol levels. 

As you know, exercise puts a lot of stress on the body. You are probably very familiar with the post-workout aches and pains that you may experience. The reason why you feel this way is because of the stress caused by exercise. Anti-inflammatory foods counteract these effects by reducing post-workout inflammation.

Citrus

Citrus fruits (Oranges, Limes, and Lemons) are a rich source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. These vitamins are able to absorb the damage-causing free radicals. The Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is also critical to the functioning of your immune system. 

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are always a very rich source of antioxidants. Kale is a widely recognized source of antioxidants. It is packed with Vitamins A, C, and K as well as carotenoids. Leafy green vegetables are always a great source of nutrition as natural superfoods.

Spices

Turmeric is another common source of antioxidants. As a spice, it’s known for its powerful free-radical absorbing abilities. It has also been demonstrated to improve memory and overall cognitive health on top of its antioxidant benefits

Incorporating antioxidants into your diet is the best way to improve your health. If you’re looking for a way to improve your nutrition and recover quickly from exercise – add antioxidants to your diet!

October 9, 2023 by Health Tips obesity 0

Small Steps, Big Gains: Incorporating Desk Micromovements for a Healthier Workday

incorporating desk micromovements for a healthier workday

If you don’t have enough time for exercise throughout the day, incorporating desk micromovements can help. Every time you tap your foot or even twiddle your thumbs, you’re burning calories! These are great examples of micromovements that can help you incorporate more physical activity throughout your day. Here are some great examples of micromovement exercises that you can incorporate into your day for more physical activity!

Tap Your Toes

One of the biggest risks to sitting for long periods of time is Deep Vein Thrombosis. Tapping your toes is a great way to increase circulation in your legs, and burn calories at the same time. Tapping your toes is a great way to help mitigate the effects of sitting for long periods of time and reduce your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis. These small incremental activities can add up to a lot of calories burned over time!

Breathe In and Breathe Out

Simple deep breathing exercises are also great for burning calories. A study conducted at a hospital over 26 days, featuring 20 obese patients on a low-calorie diet showed improvements in exercise capacity. Comparing the experimental group with the control group, the experimental group patients performed better on a 6-minute walking assessment. Breathing does burn a tiny amount of calories. However, deep breathing exercises are very beneficial because they promote a healthier overall appearance. Deep breathing exercises are also very beneficial for your mood.  A deep breathing exercise can take as little as a minute. Just take a deep breath for 20 seconds, hold it for 20 seconds, and exhale for 20 seconds.  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20805830/

Shoulder Rolls

Do you feel a lot of tension in your shoulders? These are easy exercises which you can do while sitting in a stationary position. Shoulder roll exercises are designed to stretch your trapezoid muscles. If you feel a lot of tension on your back and neck, shoulder rolls are a great way to relieve some of the tension. This form of exercise can also improve your ability to lift weights or perform other more intense exercises that rely upon your back and shoulders. However, you’ll have to be very careful when performing these exercises. It’s best to avoid forward and backward motions, and strictly perform an up and down motion while doing shoulder roll exercises.

What Muscles Do Shoulder Shrugs Work? | livestrong

Shoulder Shrugs: Muscles Worked, Benefits, and How To (healthline.com)

Head Nodding

Did you know that nodding your head can have benefits to your physical health? Neck strength is an important part of your body. Head nodding can help strengthen the muscles in your neck. Head nods are cited as a potential exercise that can help alleviate neck pain. If this is something which you experience as a result of a job which requires long periods of sitting, head nodding exercises can help.

Incorporating motion and movement in your day-to-day activities is a great way to be able to improve your overall health and fitness. Although micromovement exercises may not always burn a ton of calories or lead to significant improvement in strength, these exercises have many clear benefits. Therefore, it’s a great idea to incorporate micromovements into your daily exercise routine.

Incorporating motion and movement in your day-to-day activities is a great way to be able to improve your overall health and fitness. Although micromovement exercises may not always burn a ton of calories or lead to significant improvement in strength, these exercises have many clear benefits. Therefore, it’s a great idea to incorporate micromovements into your daily exercise routine.

August 31, 2023 by Exercise Tips Health Tips Resources Stretching 0

Crushing Fitness Goals while at a Startup: Tips for Exercising Around Late-Night Schedules

exercise around your late-night schedule while at a startup

Although you may be busy, it’s possible to exercise around your late-night schedule while at a startup! Although startups require a demanding work schedule, don’t let that deter you from getting the physical exercise that you need in order to meet your fitness goals. Exercise has a ton of both mental and physical benefits. You just need to be creative to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of exercise that you need. Here are a few tips to craft your workout routine around your busy startup schedule! 

A few minutes at a time is better than nothing to exercise around your late-night schedule while at a startup

If you only have a few minutes each day, a little bit of physical activity can be better than none at all. A quick 10-minute jog outside, this will give you a quick boost of energy! You’ll also be able to have the cardiovascular benefits of increasing your heart rate. Research indicates that significant benefits in terms of better mood scores were demonstrated following a 10-minute jog. The outdoors, fresh air, and the burst of physical activity will help you gain more clarity and focus. 

Stretching!

Stretching is always a great way to build your body’s core physical strength. It is a quick and easy exercise that you’re able to do at your desk. This study indicates that between 10-30 seconds of stretching is able to increase your muscular range of motion. If you don’t have time for a jog, then a quick stretch is the best option. Although you won’t be able to have the cardiovascular benefits of a jog, you’re still able to benefit from the muscular strength gains.

Deep Breathing

Looking for a quick way to improve your mental health? Try deep breathing exercises. These are fast, and are correlated with lower anxiety and stress levels. If you’re working a hectic startup schedule, these exercises can help you calm down. Regular deep breathing exercises have a well-established benefit for reducing stress levels.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a great exercise for cardiovascular health. They are often part of a high intensity interval training program. Following a series of jumping jacks and HIIT exercises, participants in a study demonstrated a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. This demonstrates that quick and simple cardiovascular exercises for a brief period of time on a daily basis can impact your cardiovascular health and overall stress level. The study recommended exercising within 64% to 94% of the recommended maximum heart rate for the most benefit.

July 29, 2023 by Health Tips 0