Challenge #7 – Take Five!

Week Seven: February, 15, 2010

Challenge: Take Five

This week it is your challenge to take 5 minutes at any point in your day, however many times you would like, and get moving.   Whether you’re committing to climbing the stairs in your workplace, walking a few laps around your office building, skipping or jogging on the spot, or simply engaging in conversation with a friend that will get you laughing, your goal is to plan these blocks of 5 minutes into your day. 

Once planned, think about different exercises that will get your heart pumping and blood circulating.  If committing to a 5-minute power walk, grab your running shoes and get your feet and arms moving quickly.  Want to try the stairs?  Don’t hang onto the railing.  Pump your arms as you climb from one step to the next, skipping every second step every once in a while.  Put your favourite sneakers on and step outside, staying warm by getting all of your muscles moving as you jog, skip or jump jack on the spot!  You can even Take 5 to get down and do push-ups, complete chair squats and finish off with triceps dips, all within your office workplace!

My favourite way to get a good abdominal workout in — have a great conversation with your funniest friend, click on an episode of your favourite comedy TV show or podcast, and really focus on engaging your core muscles as your shoulders, arms and facial muscles get their own little workout!  Laughter doesn’t only reduce the level of stress hormones, such as cortisol, but more importantly, increases the amount of positive health hormones, such as endorphins, keeping your mood and spirits up!