MIM: Tree hugger workout

We are back on the trails again this week for our tree hugger workout!  You can take advantage of everything nature and we are here to prove it!  No excuses!

First thing, find a tree! And have a seat!

Tree Squats:

Find a sturdy tree and put your back against it.  Walk your feet out so that your knees are at 90 degrees and your knees are over your ankles.  Press your back flat, put your weight in your heels and enjoy the scenery!  Bonus:  put your dog in a sit to enjoy the scenery with you and work on his/her dog obedience.  Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.  Remember to breath and keep your weight in your heels, no cheating by putting the weight in your toes!

Tree Hug: 

Stand facing the tree and walk your feet out away from the tree.  Put your hands on the tree and keep your elbows in.  Lower your body to the tree.  Keep your core tight.  This will work the tricep muscles in the back of your arms.  If you keep your elbows wide, this is a standard push up and will work the chest muscles.  Do 10 of these with your dog in a sit or down.  Great upper body exercise while loving nature!

Tree Stretch: 

Great way to stretch out the entire side of your body.  Stand with your left side facing the tree. Cross your right leg in front of your left leg.  Raise your right arm and REACH toward the tree.  This will feel awesome! The more you reach and push your hip out to the right, the more you will feel the stretch.  Remember to do both sides and take note if one side is tighter than the other.

Thanks to Kelli Corasanti for demonstrating these stretches for us.  We stopped at her studio to teach a class in Rome, NY on Jacks Journey USA.  You can checkout the class HERE!