Let’s face it, quitting sugar can be tough in the beginning.
Because the sweet stuff isn’t leaving your system without a fight. This can lead to intense sugar cravings, and put extra stress on the body as it detoxes the sweet stuff from your system.
As a personal trainer, I find one of the best ways to distract the mind and relax the body during this time is to stretch.
By introducing a gentle stretching program to your day, you’re not only fitting in some mindful exercise, but supporting your body as you kick the sweet stuff to the curb!
Why is stretching so good for you?
- Stretching is relaxing and can calm the mind. An anxious or busy mind can cause tension in the muscle. By breathing slowly and moving gently into a stretch, you are forced to slow down.
- Stretching can increase flexibility and reduce muscle tightness, particularly when you’re stressed.
- Stretching helps blood flow into your soft tissue to help detox, restore and repair.
- Stretching improves posture.
- And it makes us feel great!
My easy 3-step stretching program.
If you are new to stretching, here are three easy stretches to get started.
I would start by holding each stretch for 30 seconds. As you feel comfortable and find your tolerance to the stretch grows, increase the hold to 60 seconds.
- Seated hamstring stretch.
Sit with on the floor with one leg stretched out straight and the other bent out of the way. Lean forward at the hips to feel a stretch under the thigh.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. This stretch can also be repeated with the foot turned outwards.
- Downward Dog.
When you’re doing this stretch right, you will look like an upside-down V. There’s so much activation in this stretch – shoulders, abdominals, quads, hamstrings and heels!
There are a number of things to focus on to make sure you’re doing the Downward Dog correctly. First, make sure your abs are switched on. Squeeze them as if someone is about to throw a ball at you. Second, focus on keeping your legs straight and don’t hyperextend your knees.
Next, reach up and back with your hips and down toward the ground with your heels. Try and touch the ground with your heels, even if they don’t quite reach.
Don’t let your upper body collapse or sag, or your shoulders sink into your neck. Let your head relax so there is no tension in your neck. One way to ensure this is to look at the floor underneath you rather than forward.
- Overhead triceps stretch.
As well as stretching the triceps muscle, you are also hitting your back muscles, especially the one called latissimus dorsi, which runs across your back, down your side under your armpit, and attaches to the ribs. This stretch needs to be done slowly and gently.
Put one arm overhead. Position your forearm as close as possible to upper arm. Grasp elbow overhead with your other hand. Repeat on the other side.
Get a move on!
Want even more tips and tricks on how to stay moving while you move sugar on from your life?
The I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program now comes with a full Movement Plan! Developed by yours truly, it’s full of how-to guides and customisable workouts. Quitting sugar and finding your healthiest you has never been easier!
0 comments :
Post a Comment