The 5 exercises you can do anywhere

Jo Glynn-Jones – Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher takes us through some easy stretches and exercises, providing a workout that can be done anywhere, home, garden, or park. Sitting all day can cause aches and pains, so what can you do to stay fit and healthy at home? 

1. First of all, stretch.

Standing, come up all the way onto your toes and reach your arms up straight above your head. Make yourself nice and tall. Stretch out all your tension and bring your arms down by your sides. Next, bend forward, letting your head fall down, relax the shoulders and lower back, and come up again slowly.

2. Squats

Keep your feet hip distance apart and make sure you have the weight in the heels. As you squat down, make sure your back is straight and your knees don’t come together. Then come back up. Do 10.

3. Tricep dips

Perch right on the edge of a chair, with your hands on the edge and fingers facing forward. With legs bent, bring yourself off the edge of the chair, supporting yourself with your arms. Lower yourself down and up 10 times.

4. Desk press-up

Place your hands on the edge of your desk. Take your feet out a little and come onto your toes. Keep your core tucked in tightly and lower yourself down with your arms, so your head goes towards the desk. Breathe in to go down, out to come up. Push yourself back up and repeat 10 times.

5. Final stretch!

Roll your shoulders backwards and clasp your hands behind your back. In this position lift your arms up a little bit for a nice gentle stretch across the chest. Bring your arms around to your front and clasp your hands together. Drop your head and round off your shoulders.

Handy tips

• When you get up from your chair, don’t use your hands. Just use your legs.
• Do some squats whenever you get up to make a cup of tea.
• Stand on one foot when you put your socks on or take them off.

Why not make it your daily routine? 

However small, however often, putting some active movement into your day is achievable. It’s so beneficial for body and mind. It helps you focus on a positive routine and gives a sense of achievement which is great for your wellbeing during a challenging lockdown.

If it's not part of your routine yet, find out how to reset your habits in Liggy Webb's blog.