4 Simple, Alternative Exercises to Spice Up Your Routine

After a long day of work, running errands, and eating on the run, these exercises are guaranteed to make you will feel healthier, more relaxed, and ready for a good night’s sleep. Now instead of turning into a couch potato on your day off, you will have the stored energy you need to participate in weekend activities that you have always wanted to enjoy.

One Minute Breathing Exercise

To make your workout routine more productive and unique, hook-up a Nocqua lighting system in your yard, on your balcony, in the park, or at a camp site and practice Yoga-based breathing exercises. Breathing techniques reduce stress levels and calm your heart rate. Sitkari Pranayama, as outlined in Patanjali‘s Yoga Sutra, is an excellent breathing technique that improves focus, lessens anxiety, and cools excess heat in the nervous system. Sit on the floor or in a chair and slightly raise your chin. Open your mouth a little then move your tongue behind the teeth. Next, inhale gradually through the opening between the upper and lower teeth. You should feel the cool air wash over your tongue. Gently, close your mouth and exhale through the nose as you slowly lower your chin back to its normal position. Repeat for one-to-two minutes

Forward Bend

The forward bend or crane exercise stretches your hamstrings, shoulders, and chest muscles. Simply interlock your fingers behind your back then slowly lower your forehead to your knees into a forward bend. Maintain a slight bend as you rise back up, unlock your fingers, and slowly raise your arms toward the ceiling then bring your arms down to your sides. If you live by water, this exercise can even be done on a Boga Yoga Paddleboard, by attaching your Nocqua Adventure Gear to the belly of the board to illuminate the water around you and provide a tranquil environment.

Side Planks

Side Planks strengthen and stretch the shoulder muscles and the oblique muscles on the side of the upper body. Starting on either your right side or left side, lie on your side and place your hand on the floor. For balance, stack the feet as you lift your body off the floor. Inhale as you extend your free arm toward the ceiling, keeping your abdominals tight. Hold this pose for 8- 10 seconds then lower your arm. Repeat 10 times on each side.

Reverse Lunges

Compared to a basic lunge, reverse lunges place less stress on the knees while still toning your legs. Stand tall with your arms at your sides, and take a step backward with your left foot. Slightly, bend your hips then lower your left knee to the floor without fully touching the floor and lifting your left heel. Slightly “lunge” forward then return to standing. Alternate legs for 10 to 20 total reps. Many times, it can be difficult to find new, simple exercises that don’t require a machine. However, by incorporating these easy exercises and others, you can stay fit and relaxed without a gym membership.