Want an easy way to tone the arms and abs?

In only two short weeks, Memorial Day Weekend will be here and our first chance to put on that swimsuit!  If you are not planning on painting your living room, you will probably find yourself in a  tank top,  swimsuit or sundress(ladies!). Want to show off those arms and abs?  Here’s a really simple exercise to get more toned and strong:

Push ups! Push-ups are a great form of strength training for the arms and core, and they can be done anywhere!  Perform as many as you can in good form and set a goal to complete  one minute of push-ups by the end of the two weeks. Even if you can only do two, with daily practice you will see immediate improvements in strength and muscle tone!

Anyone can do push-ups with these simple modifications:

Arms should be at chest height, slightly shoulder width apart.  Be sure to bend the elbows at  a 90 degree angle out to the side of the torso, and push all the way up to complete one repetition.  Begin on your knees, and as you get stronger you can start on your toes.

If those positions are too difficult, place your hands in correct position against a wall, and step back so your arms are fully extended and head, shoulders, hips, and ankles are in alignment.  Remember, your wrists will take time to get used to this position, so be sure to balance the weight evenly on the hands and feet.

This exercise can be done in one minute  and you can easily fit it into your daily routine. Start today!

May is Exercise is Medicine™ Month

This January I committed to spreading the word about the Exercise is Medicine initiative through my professional certifying organization, ACSM. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association launched the Exercise is Medicine™ program and, with the support of many other prestigious organizations, and I encouraged you to be a part of history.

The guiding principles of the Exercise is Medicine™ initiative are designed to improve the health and well-being of our nation through a regular physical activity prescription from doctors and other health care providers, or from a health and fitness professional working with the health care provider.

I know  hundreds of people who have benefited from regular exercise! You know regular exercise is important to overall health and disease prevention. Commit to be informed, be inspired and be active during Exercise is Medicine™ Month this May.

1.  If you are not already active, schedule an appointment with your doctor now to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise.

2. Then sign up here,  http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/EMailCampaignPublic.htm for the one-month Exercise is Medicine™ email series for the Public. We know you are busy and your time is limited. You will receive helpful tips on how to create a life-long exercise plan and stick to it, regardless of your age or current fitness level. We’ll send you easy-to-use resources and plenty of motivation to keep you moving!

3. Join me in my efforts to get people moving!  Come join me this Sunday at the Shape Up US event in conjunction with Parkway Family Fitness Day from 12-4pm at Parkway North HS.  Go to http://www.shapeupus.org/live-events/shape-up-missouri for more info.

Because Exercise IS Medicine!    Get your daily dose!