ONE of the toughest aspects of exercise is finding the time to do it. Even carving out just 30 minutes a couple of times a week can feel impossible.
But everyone has five minutes: it’s only about a third as long as people spend looking for something to watch on Netflix.
Although it might not seem like much, if you do it at least three times a week, you will start to see results – and you’ll be building the foundations of a long-term habit.
So pick an area to work on, set a timer and just do it!
FOR BETTER POSTURE
"Posture is really about back strength," says British physiotherapist and Pilates instructor Helen O'Leary. "The more the muscles in the back of your body work, the more they will hold you up against gravity. Use these three movements in a circuit, doing each once.
Prone press
"Lie on your stomach with your hands by your chest and your nose hovering above the floor. Press your pubic bone into the floor to create a stable base. Press down into your hands and imagine you are pressing the floor awaythis will start to send your upper chest off the floor. Pause with your lowest ribs on the floor, take a breath and then lower back down. As you improve, try lifting your hands at the top of the movement to see if you can hold yourself up"
Pilates swimming
"Very much a progression of the prone press - this will test your endurance as well as your core control," O'Leary says.
"Start as before, this time reaching your arms and legs away from each other as if you're being pulled apart in a tug of war. You should end up with both feet and hands off the floor.
This story is from the 28 March 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 28 March 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DIDDY'S DISGRACE
A video showing singer Cassie being attacked by Sean Diddy Combs reveals the disturbing reality of their relationship
THE BABY-FACED ASSASSIN
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is fast becoming one of the top talents in the English Premier League
OODLES OF POODLES
Kaz’s latest dog show triumph is the culmination of years as one of the world’s top trainers of the breed
MY LIFE IS PURE HELL
A reader wrote to YOU recounting her harrowing experience of living with a narcissist for decades. Pieter Van Zyl relays her story
THE LOTTO CURSE
Over the years Andy Carter has helped 2 000 lottery winners adapt to life as newly minted millionaires. Here he shares the worst mistakes he’s seen people make and reveals why instead of being a passport to freedom, a jackpot win can actually make things far more complicated
IT'S NOT YOU IT'S ADHD
We ask experts to explain the rise in late diagnosis of the condition in women
BITTER SWEET
Arina was diagnosed with cancer while carrying her miracle baby and made the tough choice to start chemo while pregnant
SHE'S GOT THE POWER
Monica Lewinsky was on suicide watch after the humiliating Bill Clinton scandal, but she has now turned her life around and become a force to be reckoned with
IT'S ALL OVER!
For 26 years she was the Bok coach’s support system on the side lines – travelling with him for work, taking care of the kids and celebrating his world cup victories. Now Rassie and Nicolene have divorced
JUST NO WAY THIS IS GOING TO WORK!
Separate houses, time apart, fundamental differences – fears are mount for Ben and Jen’s marriage