Rediscover the Hula Hoop
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to strengthen your core muscles and you want a change from pilates or yoga, why not rediscover this childhood staple as an exhilerating exercise tool.
The hula hoop can effectively trim your waist, hips, and thighs, build abdominal and lower back muscles, and give your cardiovascular system a work out.
Grace Jones showed us how at her Roadhouse concerts earlier this year, hypnotising crowds with her continuous hooping during her rendition of “Slave to The Rhythm”. www.youtube.com/watch
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Street Latin dance
Looking for a new foray into the fitness world? Why not try a street Latin dance class: a combination of Salsa, Tango and Cha-Cha.
Not only will it work your calves and core muscles, but the sensual moves that involve some serious swaying of the hips are guaranteed to give you an instant boost in feeling confidant, sexy and womanly. It also allows to get in some practice dancing in heels!
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Skip to it!
Skipping not only improves bone-density, co-ordination, cardiovascular health and weight loss; but works almost every muscle in your body.
Singer Katy Perry is a fan of the skipping rope, and even uses the exercise in a bid to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. She jumps rope for ten minutes before going on stage to road test her costumes.
The best thing about the skipping rope: it’s portable! And there’s no excuse when it can tucked away into your handbag!
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Some ways to find time to exercise
- Park the car a block away from your destination, and try to make it 2 blocks next time
- Find a friend to share the time with - not much different than meeting them for a coffee
Listen to a talking book, music or the radio, or simply use the time as "thinking time" to get things sorted in your head before you take action- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so there is no excuse not to drive a couple of blocks out of your way on the way to walk for even just 20 minutes
- Take your dog for the daily walk they need - they will be so much better behaved and you will feel less guilty about telling them off for eating your pot plants when they are bored
- Keep a pair of walking shoes and bottle of water in the car at all times
- Invest in WiiFit and play games such as tennis with a friend in the comfort of your own living room
- Pretend that an appointment is earlier than scheduled so force you to get there and go for a walk beforegand
- Stop at a park and throw a ball or frisbee around with your kids on the way home from school (or find some kids if you don't have any of your own)
- Catch up with your partner or best friend after work by going for a walk together as soon as you are both home (if you don't do it straight away, you probably won't do it)
Have 2-3 exercise outfits so that one is always clean and ready to go (no excuses about not having anything to wear!)- Give yourself a list of jobs to do at lunchtime which requires you to walk there and back for one item, one day at a time
- Organise a bunch of friends to have a communal game, such as soccer or cricket, which ends with a BBQ at the end
- Have individual lessons so there is a regularly, paid commitment.
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Let’s get physical
It can be hard with our luscious lifestyles to find the time to dedicate to keeping ourselves fit. Fitness however, does not necessarily mean having to make time to book into the gym; here are some ways to add exercise into your daily regime:
Shop into shape
Walking can burn up to 250 calories per hour so why not do some window shopping on your lunch break or take a stroll around the local markets on a Sunday afternoon. Also try parking further away from the shops and walk a little extra.
Do a dance
Dancing not only improves your mood but you can burn up to 180 calories per hour. So hit the dance floor with your ladies this Saturday night or consider signing up for salsa, hip-hop or ballroom dancing classes. It’s a great way to spend time with friends, learn something new and tone up those calf muscles.
Control the calories for charity
Not only can you get fit, but you can also help a charity! Consider a fun run/walk or bike ride. Once you have signed up and committed yourself, you will find yourself more motivated and will know deep down that you must see it through. Search for charity events in your state online and get your friends involved!
Garden for good health
Gardening not only gets you out in the fresh air and help reduce stress, but can also help you get fit. Pruning works your shoulders, back and pectorals; raking works your back, arms and legs; watering works your deltoid muscle; and weeding works your back legs and arms. Just remember to take a rest in the shade and drink plenty of water.
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Our favourite treatments and activities to make us feel better
- Massage
- Facials
- Exfoliation
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbs)
- Pscyhology
- Teeth cleaning
- Tennis lessons
- Hair cut and colour
- Playing with Mabel (see picture, right)
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