You really can easily Improve Muscle Strength by Spring.

Do you feel winter blahs? Spring is on its way! Here are three simple ways to easily improve muscle strength and mobility. Now is the time!

Can’t or won’t go to the gym or Y? That’s okay …

My excuses for not working out most likely sound like yours..

Excuse #1 – Time

I seriously don’t feel I can take time to go to a gym or even plop in a video for thirty minutes of muscle toning.

Excuse #2 – I am tired.

I wake up in the morning and jump right into the day’s work schedule. By nightfall, I am ready to hit the bed; muscle toning is the farthest thing from my mind. (Oh, but tomorrow …  Been there?)

Can you relate?

The following three simple steps have helped me improve mobility and gain muscle strength. A personal heads up here: you will most likely scan through this article and decide there is no way those little tips are going to make a significant difference in your health and well-being. I will tell you emphatically, “you will see a change and you will feel it.”

Step #1 Seize the moments available to you now.

When you are warming something in the microwave, for instance, are you leaning against the cabinet or slipping into a nearby chair while waiting? Consider using that time for a few stretches or arm lifts. Keep weights or a couple of cans of food handy so you can grab them and do a one or two minute workout. At the very least, do a few squats and bends.  For more ideas, click here.

Step #2 Develop an awareness of your body.

Have you formed a habit of slumping when you sit? Do you waddle from side to side when you walk, again from habit? Are you continually stepping over items that need picked up because you can’t or won’t stoop over to get them?

Take time to stop and observe your habits. Stand tall when you walk, you will actually feel more rested as your posture improves. Make it a habit to bend as much as you can to pick up items. Sit straight in a chair and breathe deeply. Even if this lasts only a few minutes, you will begin to build strength.

Step #3 Do not always take the easy, shorter way.

When shopping, do you seek parking close to the door?  Of course, you rationalize you need to save time. Let’s be honest, how much time does it take to walk a few extra parking spaces, or even half the parking lot? In the beginning you may be able to walk only one or two extra spaces. Then a few more; perhaps eventually across the parking lot. Wow!

The more time “saved” by denying a little extra walk, or a few stretches, the more rest is needed as we become weaker.  Whether living by yourself, caring for family, or a caregiver with full-time responsibilities, you know how important it is to keep your arms and legs strong so you can remain independent as much as possible.

What small changes can you make in your life today that will affect your future health and well-being? Of these three simple steps, I challenge you to choose one, just one, and focus on that for a week. As that change becomes routine, add another. Soon you’ll be moving mountains as you easily improve muscle strength each day.

Hugs,

Did you check out my new Kids’ Page? Free downloadable coloring page from Patches’ book!