Social Media Workout

There are over 200 million users on Instagram alone... Facebook has 1.23 billion monthly active users... Twitter has over 600 million users. Let's not get into all the other social media networks. It's undeniable that the numbers are on the rise. But so are the number of people who are becoming sedentary because of it which in turn can lead to numerous health hazards. To avoid the pitfalls of inactivity upon our health, we need to start finding pockets of time throughout the day to get our bodies in motion. So why not while you're actually on social media? How many hours are spent daily sitting down or laying on the couch or bed aimlessly scrolling through Facebook's newsfeed or double clicking pictures on Instagram (or going through an ex's new girlfriend's cousin's best friend's older brother's new girlfriend's page... too deep?) And yes, there are lots of people who use social media for business purposes. It's a great way to connect. I am a big social media user myself. I love sharing and making genuine connections with people online, especially now that I am living 2,500 miles away from family. It's the main way I keep in contact. So I'm not saying close all your accounts, especially if it's part of your livelihood. (But, hey, if that's what you want to do, go for it!) We just need to be mindful of the amount of time we are spending without moving our bodies because of social media. If you find yourself unable to part ways with your mobile device, whether because of business or pleasure, the following workout is one in which can be done without giving it up. But once you get your body going, you may find yourself putting it down anyway to blast this out without distractions. To do this workout, you need to be aware of the time. Either keep checking the time on the phone or use an interval timer. Do each exercise for 30 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat the series of 5 exercises for 6 rounds. (*Phone use not required)   Exercise #1: High Knees (Don't skimp on this. Get your knees moving fast and high!)     Exercise #2: Squats   Exercise #2: Alternating Leg Lunges   Exercise #3: Walking Lunges with 4 pulses (Step, pulse for 4, then step with the opposite leg and repeat)   Exercise #4: Glute Bridge  (pause at the top of the motion before bringing your hips back down to the ground)   Exercise #5: Forearm Planks       To finish: Stretches Spend 5 to 10 minutes (or longer) relaxing into stretches. Move in a way that feels good.   ***If you want to see maximal benefits from your work out, put aside distractions and establish a mind-body connection with the muscles creating the movements.   Remember: Life is happening when you're not looking up. Don't forget to take a look around and enjoy the view every once in a while. I'm almost sure Facebook can wait.