Stay In Bed And Get Fit !

Don't get out of bed!  Get fit, right there!

Stay a few minutes longer a few mornings a week or, if you like, every morning.

You have everything you need to start your new lease on life!

We lose flexibility in our back and neck, and our legs weaken as we get older.  We are more susceptible to injuries that may reduce our mobility and, consequently, enjoyment of life.

It feels so good to just lie there and stretch!  Stretching can be the beginning of your improved fitness and health.

Take your time.  No need to rush. Savor a few moments. Stretch out your hands, arms, legs and, importantly, your back.   Roll those hips to each side – stretch .  Don't forget to turn the neck.  Lack of neck flex ability  contributes to headaches and we don't need those. 

What about those legs?  Sit on the side of the bed and stand up.  Sit down.  Do it again.  You are now strengthening your legs.  Need a rest?  Just lie back for a moment.  This is not hard at all!

Without moving off your bed.  You can do almost all exercises that begin with lying on your back or stomach.  It's a good place to create your own version of Pilates.  Visit your local bookstore or library and browse through some of those exercise books if you want ideas beyond your imagination.  There is no need to buy a book;  after all, you are going to develop what feels good to you.  Just remember that you should gradually increase attention to the areas of your body that you recognize need caring for.

Start slowly.  

Don't try to include all possible exercises on day one or do too many and cause yourself harm.  Miss a day or two?  Don't worry or give up.  What is important is that you keep returning to your exercise program.  After all, you're already in the gym.  Take advantage of it.  You want your "fitness program" to  become a habit.

Buoyed by the self-satisfaction that you are doing something positive for your health, you can create your day with a smile.

 Progress is at your own pace.

Is getting up out of your lounge chair hard?  Do you have to pull yourself up with your arms and then throw yourself forward?  This could suggest another opportunity to improve the condition that you are in and reduce daily grind.  Stand up!  Sit down!  Stand up!  Do it a couple times and gradually increase the number as your muscles gain strength.   I must advise, however, to introduce these standing exercises from a fairly high place such as the dining room chair.  Starting from anything lower is very difficult; and, there's no need for that. Too great a challenge leads to discouragement and avoidance.

Focus on these flexibility, and leg and back strengthening exercises.  They are the minimum essentials.

You can improve your ability simply by doing the things you normally do in life; just do more of them and give consideration to the quality of movement.  Eventually you'll find the activities in your daily routine  to be much easier.

Enjoy the path to improved health.