Want a head-to-toe workout? Strong Women ambassador Emma Obayuvana shows us three full-body exercises that you can do anywhere in 10 quick minutes.
Between Slack, Zoom and email, it’s easy to fall into the work-straight-through-til-5 trap, especially when your lunch break need only consist of walking a few metres to your fridge. We all know it’s beneficial for our bodies to walk away from our desk, but did you know that sitting at your desk is actually counter productive to your work too?
Studies show that breaking up your nine-to-five with a workout improves problem-solving abilities by 10% and efficiency by 15%. So, schedule this ten-minute full-body workout in before your next call. Go on: you’re wearing leggings anyway.
KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT
With the kettlebell placed between your feet, push hips toward the wall behind you – legs straight. Bending the knees slightly, reach down to grab the handle – shoulders should stop just above hip level. Keep your chin tucked and back straight as your heels push off the ground to return to standing position. Arms remain straight while holding the kettlebell. Swap weight for a bottle of wine, carton of milk or anything heavy you can grip.
Do 10 reps.
SINGLE ARM WALKING LUNGE
Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in one hand. With feet hip-width apart, take a big step forward and lower down until your front knee is bent at ninety-degrees and thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep your chest up and core tight. Push, off your back foot and bring it forward to take another big step forward with the opposite leg. If you don’t have a dumbbell, keep your hands at your hips.
Do 10 reps each side.
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SINGLE ARM PUSH PRESS
Holding a dumbbell in one hand, bring it up to your shoulder so that your palm is facing away from you and elbow is bent. With feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bend the knees. From your legs, explode up with power while simultaneously pushing the dumbbell over your head. The momentum from your legs will help you lock your arm above your head. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to starting position. No dumbbell? Hold onto a jug of water instead.
Do 10 reps each side.
Rest for 60 seconds. Complete 3 rounds of entire set.
Want more at-home workouts? Follow @StrongWomenUK on Instagram for the latest workouts, delicious recipes and motivation from your favourite fitness experts.
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Chloe Gray
Chloe Gray is the senior writer for stylist.co.uk's fitness brand Strong Women. When she's not writing or lifting weights, she's most likely found practicing handstands, sipping a gin and tonic or eating peanut butter straight out of the jar (not all at the same time).