May 15, 2022
by James Leonard Bautista
**Break Free, by Ariana Grande playing in the background**
“If you want it, take it”
Already got that summer-ready body you’ve been dreaming for? Some were even working on their respective goals months before. Were the gyms and fitness hubs closed? Some were forced to stop their operations due to the longer periods of the strictest of lockdowns implemented halting people from hitting the cold iron bars.
Sweat that pandemic-grown stresses stabled by those series of “samgy” sessions out of that body! You need not hit the gym for you to BREAK FREE from the threats of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or just be better, be fitter.
From your Lolo’s and Lola’s, up to the younger Genz! The fitness craze indeed deeply crept – every household was instantly equipped with makeshift workout equipment. Now, with our country slowly easing strict implementations of several restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, countless innovations just popped out from here and there.
“This is the part when I say I don’t want ya
I’m stronger than I’ve been before
This is the part when I break free
‘Cause I can’t resist it no more”
Have you ever heard of or tried Isometric Exercises? First and foremost, Isometric Exercises are exercises that enable opposing muscles to contract in a short period of time yet utilize wider muscle groups and areas in which train and tones the said areas.
Well, if you haven’t yet, maybe this is the time for you to start pounding muscles and grilling those deep-seated fats! Here’s the catch, you do not need to spend a lot of your resources, money, and time – just a little motivation and effort to start, and maybe, you will get the vibe going while acing your fitness journey! Here are some of the Post-pandemic Feet-Ness collections for beginners recommended by Planet Fitness that you can mix and match and also incorporate into your daily routine! (with no equipment needed to suit your busy schedule, just some pump of motivation and you are good to go). With no reps, no sets involved, you can freely explore your body’s capacity and test your mind’s ability to challenge your body into a deeper interaction with your respective muscle groups! These are low-impact and put a specific muscle group into consistent stress – but in a healthy and effective manner. Let’s begin!
PLANK. Begin with a basic forearm plank to get your body warmed up. Try to keep your core engaged and align your body so it forms a straight line from your head to your toes as you remain as still as possible. If you’re able, hold this position for at least 30 seconds before taking a rest.
THE SUPERMAN. This move can really tone your core, back, and hamstrings. To begin, lie on your stomach with your arms and legs extended out in front of you. Then, slowly lift your head, chest, arms, and legs so your position mimics Superman flying to his next mission. Try to hold this pose for 30 seconds (or as long as you can maintain your form) and then relax. Repeat 10 times, or until your form begins to waver.
BRIDGES. Looking to target your glutes and hamstrings? Bridges are perfect for that. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then squeeze your glutes and raise your hips up toward the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from the knees to shoulders. Continue flexing your core and glutes as you hold this position for 30 seconds. Afterward, take a moment to rest. Repeat 5 times.
L-SIT. This one is a bit challenging, but it’s important to occasionally push yourself on your fitness journey! Sit down with your legs extended out in front of you and your palms flat on the ground. Now try to slowly lift up your whole body (including your legs) while keeping your core engaged. See if you can raise yourself up so only your palms touch the floor. Hold the pose for 30 seconds, or until your form starts to falter, and then relax. Repeat 3 times. If holding your legs out straight is too challenging, you can also try doing this exercise with your knees bent.
SIDE PLANK. To begin, position yourself on the ground, laying on your side. Your forearm and feet should be on the ground and your legs should be straightened outward. Now extend your other arm straight above you. Hold the position for up to 30 seconds, or until you notice your form starting to slip, and then slowly lower yourself down and switch sides.
Already feeling that burning yet satisfying sensation bursting from your body? If yes, then you are doing great for a brighter, lighter version of yourself without the hassle of added spending and gym pressure! If not, maybe you need to explore more what Isometric Exercises still have to offer. The journey will never revolve only around the five basic isometric exercises mentioned above but extends to not only tens but hundreds more of innovative FEET-ness exercises that will cost you nothing but your sweat alone!
Are you ready to embrace Ari’s Break Free and literally break free you’re your pandemic foodie madness? You are now ONE STEP ahead of present-day reality and TWO STEPS ahead of present-day sexiness through the no-nonsense post-pandemic FEET-ness! Either step forward and be consumed by awareness of your current health status and motivation to seek a healthier self – or step backward and be consumed by the hard-to-disengage lethargy.
“If you want it, take it”
The choice is all yours.