In a month surrounded by all things love related, celebrate national heart health with the February exercise list.
My Background
I exercised often and intensely in my younger years. My mid to late thirties were spent raising children as a single mom and fighting through a great depression. Looking back on that time, exercise would have been a great release, if I could have just gotten my mind and heart around the idea. In order to get your body moving, you have to get your mind moving too. The way you think of yourself influences more than you know. I had no self esteem and I felt worthless. Depression will do that to you. Going to church seemed to help me. Building that most important relationship with God created the foundation for better relationships with family and friends.
We moved clear across the nation from California to Ohio almost three years ago. I was still single, raising six kids, and working three jobs to support them. The first two years were the biggest struggle of my life. I tried medication for the depression. Finding a supportive church community brought the most joy to my life.
A heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders almost a year ago, when my husband and I found our way back to one another. I was no longer solely responsible for six small lives, we were now sharing that load. His love and support has allowed me to get back in to taking care of myself. I have chosen to get involved in exercise and other self development. I joined a gym, have a series of trainers and a nutritionist, and I work out three to five times weekly. The reason I am blogging today is to share with you some exercises that may be of as much help as they have been to me.
Ten Exercises To Rock Your Body
- Lunges – strengthen legs and glutes.
- Pushups – build arm and core strength.
- Squats – Increase lower body and core strength. Help flexibility in your lower back and hips.
- Standing, Overhead Dumbbell Press – Works your shoulders, upper back, and core.
- Dumbbell Rows
- Dead Lifts
- Burpees – Provides cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength.
- Planks
- Side Planks
- Glute Bridge
Work The Core
Having a strong core is key. Some exercises that help to build that are:
- Crunches
- Sit ups
- Russian Twists
- Toe Touches
- Penguins
- Crossover Crunch
- Flutter Kicks
- Bicycle Crunches
- Crab Toe Touches
- V-Ups
The February Exercise List Workout
For those that have no idea how some of these exercises work, I have references for you to learn them. All the above exercises can be found in the workout labs exercise guide. Each workout on this list has a graphic and a description.
Conclusion to The February Exercise List
Keeping your heart healthy is significant to life. Your body is a temple and it should be a top priority to keep it fit. In addition to that, please know that the whole idea behind this blog and all I have incorporated into it is to help others find their magic. You have a purpose and there is importance in all that you do.