Do you find yourself with 10 to 15 minutes in your day and wonder what movements can I do? This happens to me often! If I’ve been driving, doing computer work, teaching, or watching TV for a while I stand up to stretch and realize how stiff I feel. You can do Pilates in 10 minutes and get results after practicing for a couple of weeks.
Our bodies are designed to move and move often but our lifestyles keep us stationary for too long. I remember working in an office and noticing how long I sat after I started doing Pilates. And when I did get up to stretch there weren’t a lot of options or places to go. This is why I would take a walk during my lunch break. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, there are ways to keep yourself moving!
What can I do with 10-15 minutes to move my body?
When this happens to you take a moment and see how your body feels. Do you have any areas that feel tight such as hips, back, shoulders? This is what I do and often after sitting or standing. I’ve created a couple of youtube videos for you to do Pilates in 10 minutes to help you out!
If you don’t have a lot of space but can stretch in your chair at your desk, try this video:
If you have an office, close the door for some time to yourself and do these movement exercises!
While at home, pull out your mat and do Pilates in 10 minutes with the Foundation 5 or Full Body video.
After doing a lot of computer work, (release the tension in your shoulders) with this video and then strengthen your shoulders and arms with this (series).
Have you been standing for a long period? Try these (foot exercises!)
I used to do these when I worked at a coffee shop and stood for 8 hours and they helped loosen my stiff feet.
Even if you’re taking a private session for 30 or 60 minutes, you don’t need to practice for that length of time to see results with Pilates! Once you start Pilates you become more aware of how your body feels and will listen to its cues to move. Your body is telling you what it needs when there is tightness or pain. It’s our job to listen to it and give it medicine with movement. Remember motion is lotion!
There are also many other ways to move your body other than doing Pilates in 10 minutes. You can go on a short walk, go up and down the stairs, dance, or run around the yard chasing your kids or dog! The important thing is to make it fun! Remind yourself that you’ll feel better afterward and that it won’t take long.
Do you have a request for a specific video? Tell me in the comment section or email me at move@pilateswithrachel.com. I’d love to hear from you!