8 exercises that will boost your energy

Qi Gong energy ball: With this exercise, visualize yourself holding a large ball of energy, move slowly and focus on breathing — your arms should move with very little effort, almost as if they are moved by an invisible energetic force. Feet are parallel, knees slightly bent, butt tucked under, arms at your sides. Take a deep, abdominal breath in and out and continue to breathe consciously throughout the exercise. Begin by allowing your arms to float slowly up, shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other as though you're holding a giant beach ball of energy, waist high in front of you. Bend your arms at the elbows, bringing the imaginary ball closer to you. Now slowly rotate wrists to face palms away from your body and push the ball away until your arms are straight, stepping forward onto your left foot (knee remains slightly bent). Allow arms to float wide apart so that you make a T, bring arms gently down to sides with palms facing each other as you step left foot back to its original place. Float arms upward again, in front of you, holding the ball of energy. "Lift" the ball over your head and let go, now allow your arms to slowly float back down to your sides, breathing quietly, core engaged, butt tucked under, shoulders down and back. Repeat, this time stepping right foot forward.

Hopping: Jumping rope is the best, full-fitness, aerobic energy-generating exercise, but it's not always convenient to whip out a jump rope. You can hop up and down just about anywhere — next to your desk, standing in line at the bank, waiting for a train. Hop thirty times; finish by standing for a moment with good posture and taking four slow abdominal breaths.

Push ­ups and core crunches (see above).

Rock out with your iPod: No explanation necessary. Freeform dancing is not only fun, but allows you to log an aerobic workout without the psychic pain.

Read more:
• 10 simple ways to get more energy
• Nutrition tips to boost energy levels
• 5 steps to healthier habits

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Excerpted from The Source, copyright 2008 by Woodson Merrell. Used by permission of Random House Canada.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.