Early Bird Gets the Burn

It’s a new year. For many of us, that means a new proclamation of our intent to be more healthy. If you’ve already fallen off your New Year’s Resolution wagon to exercise more, fear not, as you aren’t alone. But exercising and being more health conscious doesn’t have to be a difficult and time-consuming task.  Here are some ways you can jump-start your day with a few simple exercises.

• Cat-Cow Pose (10 reps): It may sound silly, but this pose focuses on your core. Get on our hands and knees (like you’re crawling). Inhale and lift your head and tailbone so your spine arches slightly toward the floor. Exhale as you tuck your tailbone under and curl your back upward, while letting your head hang toward the floor.
• Split Squat: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides or on your hips. Step back with your left foot and sink into a lunge until your front knee is bent 90 degrees (or as close to 90 degrees as possible). Push back up, keeping both knees slightly bent. Do this with your left leg for 30 seconds; change legs and repeat.
• Leaning Side Plank: Stand with your left side a few feet from your bed. Bend your left elbow 90 degrees, lean toward the bed, and place your forearm on the edge of the mattress, stretching your legs into a side plank position (your bed’s unstable surface will make this move more difficult). Rest your right arm on your side. Hold the position, with legs stacked, for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Birthing Squat: Stand with feet just wider than hip-width. Squat down as close to the floor as you can, knees pointing outward. Squeezing your glutes, return to standing. Form check: Push your butt as close to your heels as you can get it. Use your elbows to gently push your knees wider for a deeper stretch.
• Mountain Climbers: Make a triangle with your hands and feet on the floor with your butt up in the air. Bring one leg up towards your chest similar to a sprinter’s start position. Keeping your hands on the ground, jump to switch your legs. Tip: Just quickly touch each toe down in front so you’re not resting by putting your whole foot down.

There you have it—a quick 15-minute workout that doesn’t require you to join a gym or spend 30 minutes on the treadmill. Most of these moves don’t require any special equipment and can be done in your living room. This list is just the beginning, and a well-balanced diet is also important, but working out doesn’t need to be time consuming. Do these simple moves to start your morning off on the right foot!

What other quick and easy tips do you have for working out? How many of you have made it a commitment to be healthier in 2012?