Starting strong my morning
Hello, everyone! 🌸
It’s Joyce here, and I wanted to share a little bit about my daily exercise routine. As a bussy mom of two and a full-time professional, finding time for myself can be a challenge. But staying active is something I truly believe in—it keeps me energized, grounded, and healthy! So, I thought I’d break down my simple yet effective (almost) daily workout routine that you might find helpful too.
My Morning Routine: Start Strong
I’m not a morning person by nature, but I’ve learned that starting my day with some movement really sets the tone for the rest of it. Here’s what I do:
1. Wake Up Early (7:30 AM)
Yes, I know—waking up early isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but even if you’re not a morning person, try setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier than usual. That extra time makes all the difference!
2. Stretch & Warm-Up (7:00 AM - 7:15 AM)
As soon as I wake up, I grab a glass of water and head straight to my living room. I start with a quick 10-15 minute stretch session. This helps loosen up my muscles and gets my blood flowing. Here are some of my favorite stretches:
Arm Circles: Stand tall, extend your arms out to the sides, and make small circles with your hands. Gradually increase the size of the circles.
Side Bends: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, raise one arm above your head, and gently bend to the side. Hold for a few seconds, then switch sides.
Forward Folds: Stand with feet together, hinge at the hips, and fold forward toward your toes. Let your arms hang loosely, and breathe deeply.
(See the photos below for reference—I love doing these stretches in front of my plants because they make me feel so calm!)
3. Cardio Workout (7:15 AM - 7:45 AM)
After stretching, I move on to a quick cardio session. I don’t have much space, so I stick to exercises that don’t require equipment. Here’s what I typically do:
Jumping Jacks: 3 sets of 30 seconds each.
High Knees: 3 sets of 30 seconds each.
Squats: 3 sets of 15 reps.
Plank: Hold for 30 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times.
This entire routine takes about 30 minutes, and by the end, I’m already feeling more alert and ready to tackle the day.
Midday Break: Quick Refresh
During the day, I try to sneak in short bursts of activity whenever possible. Even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or a few stretches at my desk, it helps keep my energy up.
Quick Tips for Midday Activity:
Take a 5-minute walking break every hour.
Do desk stretches like neck rolls or wrist rotations.
If you have a lunch break, use 10 minutes to go for a brisk walk.
Tips for Beginners
Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with intense workouts right away. Begin with 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase.
Find What You Enjoy: Whether it’s dancing, walking, or yoga, choose activities that make you happy.
Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or join an online community for motivation.
That’s it for today! I hope this gives you some inspiration to incorporate more movement into your daily life.
Remember, consistency is key, and every little bit counts. 💪✨
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or want to share your own routine!
Take care, and stay active and engaged! ❤️
Joyce ✨