#2, of 12 Life-Style Skills

#2  Exercise   “Dawn’s Beginning”

Benefits of a 2 Minute Work-Out.

Toning By Stretching

Stretching as little as 2-5 minutes after a shower, Gets amazing results for the little amount of time spent. Better yet, make it a habit to stretch every time you change your clothes. This is an easy way to remember to get in a few more, easy to do stretches. But please not in front of a mirror. You’ll notice in your waist and the belt size going down a notch and your clothes will fit better. Weight loss is not measured standing on a weigh scale.

 Ask yourself how do I feel inside right now? How active am I?  

So stand tall, it will make you look thinner.

Your body is working hard inside before it ever shows on the outside. This is toning not weight loss. In other words just think of how you are re-arranging your shape, to be stream lined. The amazing thing that happened to me while being converted over to a daily stretch is that I found my waist!  I went from a size 12 to an 8!  Without changing what I ate. That was amazing. Get toning and surprise yourself. It just takes a bit of daily conscious dedication.

I have a nice 90% Aloe Vera Swiss Formula Massage Lotion which is made locally. Rub it into your legs, for an easy inexpensive way to work on those orange peel bumpy looking areas. Apply also to back, neck shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles and feet as often as desired. Getting the circulation going is the key. This cream has ingredients that warms up, and has a tingly good feeling and oh, so relaxing. Any product that has ingredients like *eucalyptus, is worth trying if purchased from a good source.

Stretching will make you feel good as you experience the comforting feeling as your body releases tension.  It will condition your muscles for moving. Most of us are not active as we know we should be. Think of this easy good activity, as safety insurance and peace of mind. Prevention is my intention and it should be yours also. So then, the more flexible you are the less likely you are to be injured. You won’t be afraid to lift, bend, reach up or carry heavy groceries.

For couples, it may be beneficial to do some techniques together. Collect articles from magazines, putting a folder together. Illustrated is best. Ask a family member to join in the quest for health.

Recommended reading:  Mini Massage, 10-15 minute massages therapies that reduce stress. By Jack Hofer, Perigee Books, Putnam Publishing Group.

TRY THIS

Stretching also helps to work out those knots in the muscles of your neck, back, arms and legs improving posture. To correct posture, stand with your back against a doorway frame. Bend your knees as if sitting.  Head back, with your arms bent, hands on your ears. Then touching your elbows together and then opening them up, in a slow back and forth motion. This will help tired shoulder tension. Practice, as you go through a door. Remember, shoulders back, tighten your buttock, and or tummy. Hold to the count of 5, repeat a couple of times, and don’t forget to breath! It becomes easier, because it will feel so good to relieve stress yourself.

(See article on Breathing Techniques to Lose Weight)

 “Dawn’s Beginning”   * 12 Week  Whole-istic Wellness Course  

(Metabolic /Set Point Change)

Just wait for the complements, and share your secret.  Educate others. 

 Stretch before you get out of bed.  Ever watch a baby wake up? Or watch a cat? Imitate them and you’ll be good to go. No tender feet upon rising, try it.  Take a few minutes to let your muscles adjust from sleeping.  It only takes 2 minutes!

A sobering thought from Jack Hofer’s book. Page 153 regarding the way we get out of bed to quickly. “Many heart attacks take place from about 6-9 in the morning” So start your day gradually, instead of rushing out of bed like someone fleeing from a fire.”

My phone just rang! Make sure you can reach yours from bed! New scientific research suggests that COLD drinks solidify fat (bad cholesterol, usually meat proteins) from the last meal eaten!? Some suggest that this is a possible cause of blockage in the hearts blood artery.

How long does this take to build up? More importantly, I will educate you on how to prevent it in the first place!  Remember prevention? Easy life strategies. (A word for those couch potatoes we are trying to get involved.) Time how long those commercials are. Bet it’s more than “2 Minutes”.  Did you know the average is 8 minutes!

To be discussed later. For purposes here, please see a link to this topic. Kindly, sent to me 3 times by friends!  *(view now) 

Does this not make sense? 

Beware and be a ware of you’re eating and drinking in the evenings. Prior eating habits affect also your sleeping. So be careful before getting up in the morning, the life it saves may well be your own! This gives new meaning to a change in the evening, beverage of choice!

Remind others to correct their posture as you notice them slouching over a computer. Get up and move, stretch and drink (sip!) a glass of mineralized water every two hours. Add a squeeze of lemon. Even a small back pillow will encourage you to develop good posture habits. Invest in a good chair for less strain.

 (other suggestions available,  # 9 STRESS )

Best of all as you apply stretching and yawning included, sounds and all. Since this will also stretch the spine. Head to toe circles, of all body joints. By way of a reminder then, set a timer if you have to remind yourself to take that much need break. An example, for shoulder tension, this can be eased by tightening and releasing the shoulders. Bring your shoulders up to your ears and holding to the count of 10, and repeating a few times. These were taught in gym class at school. Remember?  Sure you do!

From a Nutritionist point of view there is another consideration. You will also find it benefits those who have a sluggish digestion.  As food moves along the intestines a bit faster.

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