Following a workshop we recently had in our office on nutrition and exercise, we have been doing daily Isometrics. Isometric exercise is a type of strength training, which is done in a static position, where you are tensing the muscles without moving your joints, because of this; it is the easiest way to discretely do some exercise in your everyday life, whenever and wherever.
If you carry out a few isometric exercises throughout the day, gently and slowly, and you do this regularly, you will start to notice your body’s tension. Therefore, you will be able to release the tension quickly and efficiently, which is perfect when you are consumed in a stressful situation. It is recommended that each exercise should be held roughly for 5-7 seconds. If you have time to do these exercises a few times per day that is even better!
Here at The Stress Management Society, we do Isometrics together at 11am every day. We wanted to share some of our favourites:
The wall squat- Hold yourself in a seated position with your back up against the wall with your knees at a 90 degree angle.
The arm stretch- Stand sideways on to a wall, extend your arm to the height of your shoulder and place the palm of your hand flat against the wall. Do not push but simply hold. You should feel a pull in your lower arm muscle. If you do not lower your arm slightly.
The leg stand- Lift one leg out in front of you and point your toes to the ceiling. Balance on the other leg and hold.
For those who want to try isometrics but do it more discretely, try:
The hand grip– Link your hands together by the finger tips with your right palm facing up and your left palm facing down. Try pulling your fingers apart.
The table hold– Place your hands palms facing upwards under your desk so that your palms are resting on the underside of the desk. Push up and hold.
The crossing legs- Cross your legs specifically at the ankles and press together.
