The Joys of Exercise

For all of you who know me know that I love to work out. It is quite possibly my favorite time of the day. The best days are when I wake up early to go swimming, then get a a good work out in during the afternoon. I love the endorphin rush you get while running a 5K or, swimming a 1500, or even if you're just doing some light weight work and abs. I never feel better than I do at those moments.

Unfortunately, I sprained my ankle not too long ago, so I can't run, and my gym is closed, so I can't go and do weights or swim. In the meantime I am stuck doing simple exercises at home that don't put too much strain on my ankle, but still give me that same "I've accomplished something" feeling.

For all of you who are out there in my predicament, or one similar, here are a few exercises you can do while sitting at home watching a ball game, movie, or television show that will help tone you up, or help keep you toned while you are incapacitated.

The Reverse Crunch-this exercise is fairly easy. You lie face up with your hands either on the floor by your butt, or behind your head. Lift your legs so that your body is now in an 'L' shape. Contract your abs so that your legs go into the air, then lower and repeat for 10 to 15 reps. This is a small movement. You are not looking to be able to lift your legs as high as you can, only to lift them where the ab muscles contract and expand.

The Push-up-I hope that everyone out there has at least seen someone do a push up and knows the basic instruction on performing one. For the more advanced push-upper, there is the wide arm push-up, in which you hold your arms out wider than your shoulders while pushing. Then there is the close hand or "diamond" push-up in which the pusher puts his/her hands as close together as he/she can toward the center of the body and pushes. All are good exercises that will help keep your chest, deltoids, lower back, and triceps in good toned shape.

The Plank-this is one of my favorite exercises. It is a great way to build endurance in your abs, back, and core muscles. Lie stomach down, with your feet together. Lift yourself up by the elbows and hold for a minute. The key to this exercise is to keep your body straight. Many mistakes people will make while performing this exercise is bending the body in either the "^" position with the butt in the air, or the "v" position with the butt slumping downward. Remember, stay straight.

The Leg Lift-For the leg lift, you begin in the same position as the reverse crunch and all you do is lift your legs up to the 90 degree point, then drop them down, to almost the ground then repeat.

The Flutter Kick-I did many of these growing up in different swim practices, and at camps that I attended. Simply lie on your back, lift your legs six inches off the ground and then kick them . Don't use too big of a kick, only about 12 to 18 inches worth of movement for each foot.

The Scissor Kick-For this you start out at the same position as the flutter kick, but instead of kicking, you spread your legs outward, then bring them back together.

Now you know some simple, basic exercises that will help you get in shape, or stay in shape when you can't make it to your normal work out. Enjoy, and I'll see you all at the gym soon enough.

Remember, if you need any help with Real Estate, which would explain why you are at my site in the first place, you can email me at MrWright79@KW.com, or you can IM me on AIM at KWRMatt. If you feel the need to hear my non Barry White sounding voice, please feel free to call me between 0900 and 1900 EST at 703-393-1336. I look forward to talking with each and every one of you, and in the immortal words of Porky Pig, "abed abed abed abed...that's all folks!!!"