Do this before your next cardio workout

You already know to stretch or roll out before or after your cardio workouts.

But want to know what you may NOT be doing that can be hinder performance and increase pressure in your joints?

Keeping your upper body static. Say you've been plugging away at your desk. Then you decide to go for a brisk walk or jog. You are still in your desk posture that throws your entire body out of whack. Because you're not well aligned or done anything to change this posture, you go for cardio and wonder why it hurts your back, your knees, your neck, etc.

Here's the thing you've got to do before your next cardio workout (or anytime you've spent too much time at the desk)...

Move your arms!!

Your arms are the gateway to your lungs. Arms connect and rest on your rib cage. Your ribs house your lungs and heart. If you're not moving your arms, then your lungs and heart are not getting the space and movement they need to perform at their best. Not to mention (again) all the skeletal alignment problems that pop up from not mobilizing your upper body.

Continuing our Pilates on the wall series with these squats with arm work! You may often feel a little like you have T-Rex arms from typing on your computer ...

You use a resistance band, small hand weights, or nothing to move, stretch, and strengthen your arms while you build strength in your legs with your wall squats.

Stay tuned for next week where we do some powerhouse moves for your arms (at the wall, of course).

As always, we want to hear from you: How is your wall work going? Tag us on social or click the share button to send to a friend.

Stay strong, stay healthy, and stay home!