Get a Gold Medal in Self Care! Healthy Moving Olympics Event 2 – Speed!

This event is all about speed! BUT…unlike many of the athletes in Rio, we aren’t trying go as fast as possible. In fact, we are trying to do the opposite.

For the next few days, I’m inviting you to SLOW DOWN your movement. (And maybe your life, too!)

When we move slowly, we allow more muscle fibers to get in on the action. Try it with this three exercises and see how it feels.

Event 2: Speed

(Don’t forget…if you love this…join me for my FREE No-Time Exercise Solution Class, where I share my four-step system for women who don’t have time to work out! Register here.)

Use your own judgement, and practice only what feels comfortable.

The Exercises for Event 2:

1. Get out of your chair: Can you slow that process down? Keep your shins vertical (knees over ankles the whole way up). Lean forward and extend the arms, if needed. Then, stand up SLOWLY. Feel your backside come to life.

2. Open your hips…slowly: I love to do this one in the morning while I’m waiting on the tea kettle. Place your hands on a chair, counter or wall and walk the feet away from the support. Allow the pelvis and back to relax as you lift the tailbone up. SLOWLY shift your hips from side to side. Don’t twist the hips, simply glide from side to side. Practice with varying space between the feet. Notice your tendency to speed up through the “sticky spots.”

3. Wall Angels…slowly: You’ve made snow angels, yes? This is the same movement, but standing against a wall or closed door (perfect for when you’re on the phone or taking a computer break). Keep your back ribs in contact with the wall as you lengthen your arm to the side. You can do both arms at the same time, just be sure you don’t lose contact between your back ribs and the wall. Move slowly and once again, notice your tendency to speed up through the “sticky spots.”

Have fun!