Put a spring in your step: Easy exercises to warm you up

We’ve put a list together of fun and gentle exercises to help you shake off the winter blues and improve your physical wellbeing.

Why exercise? 

Exercise helps to wake up your muscles and joints, and makes you feel happier and more energetic. Moving your body also helps you to stay healthy and strong. 

Start with stretching 

Stretching is a great way to get your body moving. It helps your muscles get ready for more activity. Here are some simple stretches: 

  1. Reach for the sky: Stand up tall and reach your arms high above your head. Try to touch the sky! Hold for a few seconds, then let your arms come back down. 
  2. Toe touch: Stand with your feet together and slowly bend forward to touch your toes. If you can’t reach your toes, that’s okay. Just go as far as you can. 
  3. Side stretch: Stand with your feet apart. Raise one arm above your head and lean to the opposite side. You should feel a stretch along the side of your body. Repeat on the other side. 

Walking: The easiest exercise 

Walking is one of the best ways to start exercising. It’s easy, free and you can do it anywhere. Walking helps improve your mood and strengthens your heart. Here are some tips to make walking fun: 

  1. Take a friend: Walk with a friend or family member. You can talk and laugh together while getting exercise. 
  2. Explore nature: Go for a walk in a park or around your neighbourhood. Look for signs of Spring, like blooming flowers or chirping birds. 
  3. Set goals: Start with short walks and gradually make them longer. You can set goals like walking for 10 minutes today and 15 minutes tomorrow. 

To track and monitor your steps, visit https://www.10000steps.org.au/  

Try gentle yoga 

Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your body. It also helps you relax. Here are a few simple yoga poses: 

  1. Cat-cow pose: Get on your hands and knees. Arch your back like a cat, then lower your belly and lift your head like a cow. Repeat a few times. 
  2. Child’s pose: Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward on the ground. Rest your forehead on the floor and breathe deeply. 
  3. Tree pose: Stand on one leg and place the other foot on your ankle or calf. Bring your hands together in front of your chest. Try to balance for a few seconds, then switch legs. 

Dance to your favourite music 

Dancing is a fun way to get moving. Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. You don’t need to be a great dancer – just have fun and move your body. Dancing helps improve your coordination and mood. 

Ride a bike 

If you have a bike, take it out for a spin. Biking is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Always remember to wear a helmet and follow safety rules. 

Get outdoors 

Spring often brings an opportunity for many to get out into nature where you can breathe fresh air and get some sun light. For many, getting into the garden, cleaning it up and replanting gorgeous blooms is often high on the to-do list. Being physically active in the garden is a great way to get your body moving. 

Listen to your body 

It’s important to listen to your body when you start exercising. If something hurts, stop and rest. Start slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity of your activities. For personalised advice, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who will provide advice based on your individual medical history, needs and goals.

We hope you found these exercising tips useful. Whether you’re walking, stretching, or playing games, the most important thing is to get moving and have fun! 

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