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Stella Recommends...

I believe that keeping fit is not about having Jennifer Aniston's body, or anyone else´s for that matter..

• It´s about...feeling at ease with your body and in your body
• It´s about... destressing yourself from everyday stress
• It´s about...going shopping and being able to buy stuff you really like
• It´s about...not dreading wearing a bikini on your next holiday
• It´s about...suddenly remembering you parked a few blocks away and instead of frowning, you put a smile on your face and enjoy the walk, knowing your body is fit enough for it.

Exercise is addictive: the more you do, the better you feel, the better you feel, the more exercise you´ll want to do it.

Here´s Stella´s hints of how to keep fit at home.  You´re sure to find something for any taste and age.

They´re quick, easy and fun.  Start feeling at ease with your body now!

1. Take a Walk - Call up your friend and arrange a time in which both of you can spare 45 minutes, before or after work, to go round 2 blocks or to the park, for example.  Make it a weekly appointment (at least) and write it down on your diary - Tuesdays at 7, walk with XYZ. Remember, fitness is not an option, we need to start considering it a necessity, you owe it to yourself :) Are your friends too busy? You don´t feel like talking to anyone right after work? Then take  your dog out for that 45 min walk or even, take a walk with you, yourself and Way-Lean.

2. Take Dancing Classes - I´ve always been wider on the hips but I´ve also always loved to dance. So I combined keeping fit and having fun in my twice-a-week belly dancing classes. Choose your favourite style and go for it!

3. Go to the Pool (or to the beach when possible) - Swimming has been renowned for its benefits on the body.  The water will take off your body weight, the sound of water will relax you and the movement will make most of the muscles on your body work.

4. Exercise at Home - You don´t need to go out the door to exercises. Here are some tips:

Firming exercises (Duration: 15 minutes)

Hips and Legs (80 second exercise) - Place a towel on the floor or on a firm surface.  Lie on your back and bend your knees. Place your arms on the floor at 45 degrees to your sides. Put your soles together as high up to the hips as possible and push your knees down, as close to the floor (or your hands) as possible. Count till 8 and repeat the exercise 10 times.

Arms, Chest and Thighs (4 minute exercise)  - Stand. Put your hands up and bend your elbows as if you were holding a broomstick over your head.  Close your fists and look towards the front.  Breathe in and hold your belly in.  Bend your knees, without losing the posture until you feel the pressure.  Stay in this position for 20 seconds and relax for 3. Repeat 10 times.

Belly and Waist (4 minute exercise) - Stand. Slighty bend your knees. Relax the hips and keep your back straight.  Stretch you arms from your body at 45 degrees and turn from your waist without moving the feet. Turn to the right as much as you can without straining yourself.  Then do the same towards the left. Do this exercise at a medium rythm, not too fast and not too slow. Tilt from right to left for 20 seconds and relax for 3. Repeat 10 times.

Calves and Bum (4 minutes) - Stand sideways in front of a mirror and make sure your back is straight, then look towards the front.  Put your palms together right over your head and bend the elbow just a little bit. Elevate your ankles and stand on your tip toes for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat for 10 times.

And last but not least....

5. Take the Lead - No, I don´t mean on the dancefloor but under the sheets.  Take the lead and be adventurous, you´ll wake up the following day wondering how you got stiff muscles in different parts of your body :)

Don´t forget that all of the above will be enhanced by healthy eating.  Read some of our delicious recipes here.

Images by DeviantArt.com