On Tuesday morning I had a little break in my day that I considered “FREE” time. I used that free time to my advantage and did something I haven’t done in a while…

I hopped on an elliptical with a magazine. Yes a magazine. I can’t tell you the last time I did this. I know this topic sounds random, which it was, but it’s something I used to do a lot before Ava was born when I was in between clients and needed something to do to pass time. From my experience with training, I’ve learned that exercise doesn’t always need to be INTENSE. Although I tend to gravitate towards the most difficult workouts that leave your body spent like  Group Power & Boot Camp classes. Sometimes  exercising in a leisurely way feels good.

I didn’t up the resistance, I didn’t do any intervals, I just strolled and read a couple articles. (reading while ellipicalling is DIFFICULT by the way) hence why I don’t do it often! These articles were not educational if anything they were useless information, but it was nice to give my mind a break from my usual routine and my usual reading on health & fitness.

I finished my low key workout with 15 minutes of stretching. I used the foam roller to stretch my IT Band, Quads, Hamstrings and Glutes. I also did some standing adductor/hamstring stretches, calfs and chest/back.

I walked away from my workout feeling loose and relaxed. It was just what my body needed.

Over the weekend I realized how tight my legs were from teaching extra classes, so I’m glad I made the time for myself to loosen up my muscles and let my body relax from all the intense classes I teach.

Speaking of classes, I’m off to the YMCA to teach my Fit For Life class. They are such a wonderful group of people that continue to motivate to help others reach their fitness goals no matter what age!!

How often do you stretch?

Have you ever read a magazine while doing some sort of low impact cardio?