Exercise of the Day

Seated Knee Lifts with Chair

Starting Position
Sit on edge of chair, knees bent, feet flat. Grasp sides of chair, lean back slightly.

Action
EXHALE: Pull knees toward chest as you crunch upper body forward using abs, not arms.

INHALE: Lower feet almost to floor, but don't let them touch until the end of the set.

Special Instructions
This movement should be slow and controlled. Don't let the momentum of your legs do the work for you, and don't let gravity snap your legs down as you return to the starting position.

Muscles Worked: Abs

Exercise of the Day

Actually today is a stretch - The Cat Stretch

Starting Position

Go to the floor - on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart, knees hip-width apart, abs engaged, and back flat (spine neutral).

Action

Relax the abs as if dropping your belly towards the floor beneath you, arching your back, tilting your pelvic bone back and lifting your chest. Look towards the ceiling without straining your neck.

Breathe deeply and hold for 10-30 seconds.

Special Instructions

Stretch to the point of "mild discomfort," not to the point of pain. Never bounce. Pull your shoulders away from your ears.

Muscles Stretched: Abs

Afternoon Energy Boost

The most effective way to fight energy lulls is with heavy doses of good stretching and good breathing. Shoot for five minutes of mental or physical activity per hour, for every hour at the computer.