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Lisa Robertson_1

10 Things You Can Do in Your Bedroom

by on ‎08-06-2012 04:26 PM

Now that I have your attention, let's chat. Since The Lisa Robertson Show is off this week, I thought we could talk about health, or more specifically, working out, for a change. At the end of the blog, I will give you a 10 moves workout you can easily do in your bedroom (which, of course, is where that title comes in). {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

 

But first, here's what I've found to be true about fitness. It doesn't just happen. You have to make it happen. This is a bummer, as I'd love to just wake up one day to find I ran a marathon in my sleep and lost 5 lbs...but no such luck. So, despite the craziness of our everyday lives, we're still left with making it happen on our own.

 

If you are thinking about starting or getting back into exercising, first ask yourself these questions:    


  •    What exercise do I enjoy?

  •    Is there an activity or sport that I can do instead of a "workout"?

  •    What do I absolutely NOT want to do exercise-wise?

  •    How much time can I give it per day or week?

  •    Do I have the time and resources to join a gym?

  •    Do I have the time and resources to hire a trainer?

  •    What are my goals? (Lose weight, build muscle, overall health, etc.)?

  •    What are my physical limitations? (Prior injury, arthritis, etc.)?

  •    Who will support me and/or work out with me?


 

Having some concept of what you CAN do helps you decide where to start. Speaking of starting, give yourself permission to start at your own pace. When I started working out, I was too self-conscious about my weight and lack of physical conditioning to feel comfortable going to a gym, so I started with a Pilates machine at home. After I had done that for a couple months, I was comfortable enough to add a personal trainer once a week (which was an investment I thought long and hard about, but it's been one of the best things I've ever done). Then, as I got in better shape and started seeing results, I finally joined a gym and started taking classes for cardio. It was really intimidating to me at first! So start where you're comfortable. If you're miserable or embarrassed, you won't stick with it.

 

If you'd like to start at home and don't have exercise equipment, I asked my friend and trainer Edna Valentino to put together 10 exercises you can do pretty much anywhere. This can be something you do in the morning when you roll out of bed; it can be a warm-up to something else (like a run); you can do it in a hotel room when you're traveling; or it can be a short workout for days when you can't make it to the gym. A workout that works anywhere is always something you can use.

 


  • 10 "Yes" Stretches: Standing tall with feet about shoulder-width apart, straighten your arms and raise them into a "Y." Fold into a crouch then stand and stretch again. 

  • 20 Leg Lifts: Lay flat on your back, put your legs out straight and raise your legs from the ground to a 90% incline and go back down. (You can place your hands between your lower back and the floor for more support if you like.)

  • 25 Jumping Jacks: I think you know how to do these! {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

  • 10 Push-ups: These can be done on your knees or up in a plank position. Always go at your own pace.

  • 20-second Plank Hold: Get in the plank (push-up position) on your hands or elbows and hold for 20 seconds. (Increase the time as you improve.)

  • 10 Burpees: Stand up straight and raise your arms overhead (into that "Y"), then lower your arms and crouch to the floor. Kick your feet straight out behind you. (You're now in a plank position). Do a push up, bring your knees back to a crouch, and stand up. That's one!

  • 20 Squats: With your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart, squat down and stick your butt out. The deeper the squat, the better the burn. If you're unsure of yourself, keep a hand on a chair or something for balance.

  • 20 Crunches: You know how to do these…just make sure you're raising your whole upper torso, not just your head. The movement should be relatively small.

  • 30 Mountain Climbers: Get in the plank position but bring one knee up to your elbow (like a runner's position). Then just alternate each leg coming up to the elbow. (Think of this as you're running with your hands on the ground.)

  • Stretch: Cooling down your muscles is just as important as exercising them. Try the Yoga sun salutes. Just do a quick online search to learn what those are and how to do them.


 

Feel free to modify for abilities or limitations on movements. Also feel free to repeat the workout if you're just cruising right through!

 

We sit in cars, we sit at work, we sit at the table, and we collapse from exhaustion at the end of the day. Exercise can make a big difference in our energy level and mood and can also help you get the figure you've been wanting. How are you going to start?

 

—Lisa

 

P.S. The reason LRS is off this week is because it's QVC's 25th Annual Klondike Gold Rush. I love these shows. We don't see as much gold on the air as we used to, and I just love seeing the new pieces (especially because gold jewelry has made a serious comeback in the fashion world). The broadcast airs Midnight to 4am, 9am to Noon, and 4pm to Midnight ET. Hope you can catch some of it! {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

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