At a cocktail party
Stay active and keep those party pounds off, even in your little black dress.
Balancing act
Icy walkways are synonymous with Canadian winters, and improving your balance will decrease your risk of a debilitating fall. While standing around chatting at a party, shift your weight to your right leg and lightly lift your left foot off the ground about an inch. Hold your balance for as long as you can, then switch legs.
Walk and talk
If the party's not too far, try walking there or back; a brisk walk in winter is energizing. If the party is far, leave the car or cab several blocks away and walk the rest. At the party, don't just sit; instead, walk around, mingling as you go.
Cocktail Kegels
You can train your pelvic floor even while you're standing around shmoozing with family and friends. As you exhale, squeeze your vaginal muscles (it's as if you really have to use the toilet, but have to wait in line and hold). Inhale and release the contraction. Repeat 20 times.
At the office
A few minutes of exercise will help alleviate work stress by releasing endorphins.
Wall sits
Try a few wall sits while you're on the phone. Stand with your back against a wall and your feet about a foot in front of you. Slide down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground, as if sitting in a chair. Hold this position as long as you can. If you feel any discomfort in your knees, come up a little and hold where it's comfortable. Repeat for the length of the phone call and throughout the day.
Chair Dips
This triceps-strengthening exercise will help ward off arm jiggle. Sit on the edge of a stationary chair with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent to 90 degrees. Place your palms on the seat on either side of you, fingers pointing toward your feet. Lift your rear end off the chair so your hands support most of your weight. Slowly lower it again, this time in front of the chair, by bending your elbows to 90 degrees; hold for a second. Lift yourself up by straightening your elbows. Repeat the exercise 15 times. To increase the intensity, straighten your legs. Don't lock your elbows.
Page 3 of 3
