These speedy add-ons to your daily routine will help maintain muscle and mobility The idea of starting a new workout regime can be daunting – you need to find extra hours, a plan and motivation. That’s why “exercise snacking” made headlines as a solution for time-pressed people. It separates exercise into short bursts – a 10-minute session every three hours would total one hour a day, helping you reap the benefits of exercise, without the big commitment.
This year, it’s all about “strength snacking” – focusing on moves that will reduce or prevent the aches and weaknesses of ageing. “Strength and mobility exercises are a vital part of a well-rounded regime, playing an important role in muscle maintenance, joint flexibility and range of motion,” says Rowan Clift, training specialist at Freeletics. “You can perform simple strength exercises during your day, combining them with other daily tasks.
” Here’s how...
Before you even check your phone in the morning, roll out of bed and get on to all-fours for a cat-cow stretch. As you inhale, move into the “cow” pose by arching your back, allowing your belly to sink, lifting your head and pressing your chest forward. As you exhale, slowly move into the “cat” pose by reversing the movement – round the spine and imagine tucking your hips up toward your belly button, dropping the head.
It only takes 30 seconds to do a few. “This movement helps alleviate stiffness and tightness in the back and enhance.