ANDIt’s 3:00 p.m. and your eyes are watering. You’re slumping increasingly more in your chair, and yes, your work project laptop is open, but you are really just scrolling through Instagram because that is all of your brain can handle.
Unless you might have the liberty to do what the Spaniards and Italians do and have a pleasant siesta, possibly it is time to shake it off. Are we talking about coffee, tea, energy drink or soda? NO! We are talking about movement.
Afternoon exercise is a terrific option to regain your energy and refocus for the remaining of the day. While digesting your dinner and staying in a single position for hours can have slowed your heart rate and blood flow throughout your body, a fast pick-up in the course of the day can send a message to your body and brain to get up and get back into motion.
“When we speak about energy exercise, we’re talking about putting a load on the body by activating the muscles, which causes the center rate to extend and allows the body to release endorphins.” Jonathan Leary, DCchiropractor, exercise expert and founder Remedial place, Well+Good said earlier. “Endorphins are feel-good hormones which can be released consequently of exercise and are essential components of an energizing workout. They are accountable for keeping you awake as well contribute to positive changes in your mental health“.
The option to get those literally good vibes is thru movement that puts a relentless strain in your body. You can exercise for energy for as much as an hour (after an hour the other happens – you begin to get drained). But today we have now a bit of workout that may get you moving and awake in only 14 minutes.
In this recent intraday workout from East River Pilates teacher Brian Spencer, you’ll especially work on activating muscles which will have been shortened or inactive as a consequence of desk work. You’ll start with a series of hip hinges designed to open up your chest and lengthen your hamstrings – the proper opposite of watching a screen (and potentially swinging your arms around) for hours on end.
Squats and side steps will help get your heart rate up. You’ll then perform core and glute activation on the mat with a series of bird dogs, hip thrusts, crunches, and more. Round it off with just a few full-body stabilizing movements and your heart will start beating and your blood will begin to flow. Afternoon Crisis? I have no idea her!
“Skip afternoon coffee and go Pilates!” says Spencer.