ElfSmiling

 

This can be a tough time of year for a lot of people. For many of us, the stress of presents, family, and finances all come together for one Stress Ball Holiday.

 

It shouldn't be like that! This should be a joyous time of year. You need to be smiling and laughing. Somebody should do something!

 

That somebody is me. (just picture me standing with my hands on my hips and a cape flapping behind me)

 

I've come up with The Get Happy Workout (Trademark pending). One of my strong points as a fitness instructor is my ability to make people laugh and smile. It is part of my formula for making a happier and healthier person.

 

Sweat + Laughter= Magic Mood Lifter

 

Don't you just feel great after you exercise? And after you have a good laugh? Try this 10 minute workout to get into a better mood, while also breaking a sweat.

 

Warning-do not take yourself too seriously. If you are a very serious person, there is no need to read any further.

 

Bonus points if you make family members do this with you.

 

Each exercise is for 45 seconds, rest 15 seconds, then move onto the next exercise. Go through the whole list twice.

 

1. Wacky Jacks- hands behind your head, then try to make your knees and your elbows meet on the side of your body jumping jack style. Ridiculous.

 

2. Plank- the whole time I want you to think of something hilarious while you hold your plank. I find everything funny, but others might struggle here. Let me know if you need me.

 

When in doubt, flex and relax your butt cheeks as you hold your plank. You will get in some extra glute work and try not to at least smile while you do this.

 

3. Pushups- think about pushing through your armpits while you do these. This will make you stronger on your pushups.

 

But I also want you to make up benefits for pushing through your pits. For instance, did you know hair grows slower under your arms if you push hard enough while doing pushups? Less shaving=win. Feel free to make up your own.

 

4. Hip bridge talking- Lay on the ground, knees bent, feet near your butt. Push through your heels and make your hips go up in the air. I want you to contract and relax your butt without letting your hips drop down.

 

Also, I want you imagine that those contractions and relaxations are your bum muscles talking to you. What could they possibly be saying? I need to know, so pass it on.

 

Great, low impact exercise that will also teach you how to get your glute muscles activated if you sit down a lot.

 

5. Chicken Squats- Push your hips back, pin your elbows back so your shoulder blades pinch together, keep your knees out, and sit away from your knees on the way down. Push through your heels to stand back up. You will look like a chicken, while also strengthening your upper and lower body.

 

It's 10 minutes of your time and if you embrace the goofiness properly I guarantee it will make you feel better.