Guest Post: How to Get a Great Workout While Reconstructing Your Space

You know when you feel like you just need a makeover? Not a new hair color or shade of eyeliner. You need a makeover, mind, body and soul. We’ve all been there before, and, what’s actually great about this frustrating feeling is that it gives you motivation to make some changes.  Change is always a good thing, and it’s important to continue growing for your own emotional well-being. Two of the best ways to give yourself a mind and body makeover is by getting fit and re-designing your living space. These two small changes can make a world of difference in the way you feel about yourself and your surroundings. So, why not kill two birds with one stone?

Here are some simple ways to focus on getting some much-needed exercise during the process of changing the look of your home:

Lift with squats.
You’ve probably heard that the best way to lift things is through the legs. It helps protect your back from injury and is the only safe way to do heavy lifting. But, more superficially speaking, it’s the absolute best way to tone those thighs and gluts!  When you’re moving around heavy furniture, like couches or tables, focus on doing half or full squats at the same time. Make sure to keep your back straight and your knees bent so they don’t go past your toes. As you lift an object, first use your thigh and glute muscles to lift yourself up. Even if you only do a few squats, you will be surprised at how sore you will be the next day.

Strengthen your core with balance.
Our core is the root to full-body health. This is the area that includes the front and back of your stomach and your glutes. Your core is so important because it supports your spine and, in doing so, your entire body. Having a strong core helps you do everything from dance, to playing sports, to picking up after a little one. When you are working in your space, doing things like balancing on ladders, or carrying wobbly objects up flights of stairs, pay attention to the way you are holding your core.  Try to contract the muscles surrounding the spine, tighten your stomach muscles, and keep your glutes firm.

Tone your arms by decorating.
Lifting and moving objects above your head is a great way to tone your arms and shoulders. Will you be doing some painting? Instead of calling in reinforcements or professional painters, do the job yourself. Focus on using your muscles to move the brushes from side to side, and make sure to switch arms frequently. Your arms will feel so good the next day, you’ll wish you could paint again!

Add an exercise area, and you’re ready to keep up the trend.
The most important step is the last one. To keep this trend going and truly enjoy your new space makeover, create a special area dedicated to fitness. Go out and buy a workout mat, some free weights, an exercise ball, and some resistance bands. These simple pieces of equipment can help you get on track to total body fitness and truly enjoy the changes you’ve made.

This guest post is contributed by Kristie Lewis from construction management degree. You can reach her at: Kristie.Lewis81@gmail.com.