Shakira Akabusi’s lazy guide to getting fit
There’s no denying Easter is around the corner - with our trip to the chocolate factory AND an Easter Egg item later today. But worry not! Fitness influencer Shakira Akabusi is back with a no nonsense guide to keeping fit that even the busiest of us can get on board with and is perfect for keeping those little indulgences in check.
Shakira's exercises:
1. Step ups - 1 minute is all it takes!-this is a cardio exercise but it's also weight bearing, which improves our bone health as well as boosting heart health and burning calories. -we can also progress this exercise to lunging onto the step or lunging backwards for anyone who wants to up the intensity. 2. Seated threading -You just need a small object like a ball or water bottle or even a toy. -Staying seated, lift one knee and thread the object underneath with one hand, passing it to the other side before repeating. -This is great for core strength as we sit with good posture and lift the knee, but it also improves our brain health by challenging our coordination. -You can progress this by standing up and passing the object under one leg, as we balance on it. -This exercise is great to boost our heart rate, burning extra calories and it challenges our core strength to balance on one leg. 3. Modified press up-Start on your knees with arms fully extended, then lower down onto your elbows. -Push back up onto your palms, arms extended and then reach arms forwards, repeat. -10 reps is all it takes to work the upper body and core effectively. -You can make this fun and use it as a challenge within your easter egg hunt! 4. Brain challenge -This movement is really simple and you won't even break a sweat but it's super effective for brain health. -It can be done seated or add a squat for an extra challenge. -Make a peace sign with one hand and an 'l' shape with the other, then alternate your fingers between the two positions, which challenges the brain. -It's much trickier than it sounds but great to practise as we age to keep the brain healthy! - The squat simply adds an extra challenge. 5. Pillow slam -Even just 10 reps of this is a whole body exercise. -It's quite a dynamic movement as we slam the pillow down, working our back muscles and strengthening the entire body and cardiovascular system.