Friday Fitness FUN!!

Don't panic, I'm not starting an exercise blog! However, it is important to understand the physical demands puppetry (performing) can place on the body. So, to (hopefully) prevent serious damage to your muscles and joints...I think it's important to prepare yourself. To that end, I'm continuing in vein previously posted...exercises to assist ya in performing!

This time, we'll talk about the back! Again (and it's important) I AM NOT a Doctor! If you have any questions regarding these or any exercise, please consult with a healthcare professional!

Oddly enough, strengthening your abdominal muscles will help you keep your back strong and healthy (weird, isn't it?).

MODIFIED SIT-UP: Strong abdominal muscles protect your back! Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise your shoulders off the ground while keeping your chin tucked. Touch your fingertips to your knees and hold for the count of five. Do not arch your back.

STRAING LEG RAISE: This strengthens your legs and abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with one knee bent so the foot is flat on the floor; keep the other leg straight and slowly raise it 8" off the floor. Hold for five seconds, lower and relax; repeat five times then change legs.

Now onto stretching. I find myself hunched over a computer for long lengths of time--you might be doing the same--so for those of us, a few stretches can really make a difference and keep us limbered up for performing! No sense in letting all that hard work we're doing go to waste!

NECK PRESS: I love this exercise! Press your palm against your forehead, then use your neck muscles to push against your palm. Hold for ten seconds and repeat six times. Then press your palm against your temple and use your neck muscles to push against your palm, holding for ten seconds and repeating six times on each side. Then cup both hands behind your head and use your neck muscles to press back into your hands. Hold for ten seconds, and repeat six times.

EXTENSION STRETCH: If you have been sitting or bent over for a while, simply stand, bend your knees slightly, place your hands on the back of your waist and stretch backward while looking at the ceiling. Hold for a count of five then slowly stand up.

For more information on your spine, spines in general, or more ways to keep your back healthy visit www.spine.org

Enjoy!

See you after the weekend!