Do you want to work out, but going to the gym or watching at-home tutorials are too much pressure? Want to take a more relaxing, grounded and overall meaningful approach to exercising? Lastly, do you have houseplants? If so, try following their lead.
Plants move very little during the day, so much so that their movements aren’t obvious to the human eye until days and sometimes weeks later. Yet, they are still beautiful, and we deeply appreciate them and their efforts to grow. Try being more like your plants with this workout that you could do at home, or even outside with the wild plants.
Try waking up early, at the crack of dawn if possible. Plants rise millimeters with the sunrise to begin photosynthesizing the available sunlight. Try starting with smaller movements just like the plants. Stretch out your arms and legs in a pre-workout, and breathe in and out in long, controlled breaths.
Next, as the sun rises, try increasing the intensity of your workout. If you’re working out with a houseplant and you feel comfortable, try holding the plant in your hands and raising the pot above your head, holding the position for three to five seconds, and then lowering the plant back down to your chest. If you’re not comfortable moving your dear houseplants, or you’re outside and are lacking any potted plants, try just doing this motion empty handed or with a small weight in each hand. Repeat this motion about ten times, or as many times as you feel comfortable. Remember, this workout is about taking it slow and listening to your own body’s needs.
As the day goes on and the sun sets, plants begin slowly sinking. Try repeating a relaxing workout at the end of the day as the sun goes down as well. Be sure to stretch out your arms and legs before you get into the real workout, and then try doing some yoga positions. Stand on your legs and bend at the waist, forming a near 90-degree angle and stretch your arms down to try and reach your toes. Hold this position for 10 seconds or as long as you can, and then rest. Next, try switching into a more relaxing pose, like child’s pose or downward dog. Hold this position for ten seconds, and then finish your evening plant-inspired workout by stretching out your arms and legs once more.
