Sitting at a desk all day isn't always fun and it definitely isn't ideal for your body. Today I am sharing two exercises that will help with flexibility, core and arm strength and get you breathing deeply for a mid-day pick-me-up that doesn't include eating. It's amazing what a few deep breaths and stretches can do!
Seated Spine Stretch Forward
This classical mat Pilates exercise moves well to seated in a chair.
- Sit at the edge of your chair, shoulders over hips, arms forward like they are resting on a table top.
- Inhale.
- As you exhale, bow your head forward and slide your arms along the imaginary table top, lifting your ribs away from your legs.
- As you inhale sit tall, stacking the spine.
Repeat 5 times.
Chest Expansion
Open your chest to relieve stress, stretch tight muscles and sit taller.
- Sit on the edge of your chair, with your arms at your side and inhale.
- As you exhale take your arms behind you like you are hugging a tree trunk behind your back.
- Keep your chest and middle lifted and your gaze forward and up slightly.
- Take 3-5 deep breaths holding this stretch.
These two are great mid-day or anytime you need a brain break.
I hope you are having a good Monday. Stay tuned for a yummy giveaway later this week plus a new friend for Workout Wednesday and me, in a disposable bikini! Good times on the way :)
What are your plans for the week ahead?
Wow! I can't believe we are already in mid-May. I need to go get a poster board and get started on our Summer To-Do list ASAP!
On to Sunday Social. I just love this link-up because it allows you, the reader, to get to know me and for me to get to know you. That is, if you leave me comments. So, please...leave me comments with your answers! (sticks bottom lip out and makes puppy eyes.)
1. What is your favorite kind of surprise?
I love all good/happy surprises! Even the not so fun surprise moments, like a friend with a flat tire that needs a ride, are great in my book. It is the unexpected that makes life what it is. As long as everyone ends up healthy and safe, bring on the surprises!
2. Flowers or chocolate?
Chocolate for sure! I know neither one lasts very long, and yes, flowers are beautiful, but I just love a good sweet treat.
3. What is your favorite summertime activity?
Going swimming! It is so fun to get a little (sunscreened) sun, splash around and cool off, and then head home tired and ready to lounge on the couch and watch a movie. I also feel like pizza after is a must :)
4. Do you have any vacations planned this summer?
Not yet! We will hopefully be going out of town for a baseball tournament and maybe a small road trip, somewhere that is around 4 hours away from KC.
5. Favorite summer holiday?
The 4th of July! It is one of THE best days! Warm weather, great food, lots of time with family and friends. And daylight until 9 pm. Followed with fireworks. Always a fun time.
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| I love fireworks faces. |
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| Patriotic selfie. |
6. What is your dream vacation?
Hawaii. I went when I was a teenager and would love to go back now with JF and the boys.
Your turn. Tell me all about YOU in the comments below or link up with Ashley and Neely.
Enjoy your Sunday!
I heart Friday!
I especially heart this Friday because we have a baseball game tonight. I just love watching my boys play the sports that they love, chatting with the moms (and dads) and it is still early enough in the season that the weather and umpires are nice :)
Time for the 3 things that made my week F R E S H
Taking the time to savor each every minute. I tend to always be focused on what's next, what the future holds and then I miss what is right in front of me. And right now, what is right in front of me is pretty magical. Beautiful boys, a loving husband and family, sharing Pilates with everyone I know and enjoying what some refer to as the "best decade."
Mint toes and J Crew dresses. Okay, just one J Crew dress, for now. But it is so comfy and perfect you will either be seeing me in it every single day this summer or I will go out and buy one (or five) more.
My Playground Workout post. I know, this seems like a shameless plug, but I have been planning this post in my head officially for about a year, unofficially since I have been taking babies to the park. Which is *yikes* nearly ten years! I am super happy that I finally got it posted and just want to shout it out loud! If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your littles or if you don't have kids but want a great workout, check it out!
Okay. Time to go. I HAVE to get on the Reformer today. I can't remember the last time I went through the work and my body needs it.
Have a great weekend and PLEASE share with me what made your week unbelievable and happy, okay? Comment below or...
Link up here and go say hi to Kat. Don't you just love the idea of taking a moment on Friday to think about what made the week great? I know I do.
exes and ohs <3
