Staying fit at home

The 21 Best Stretching Exercises for Better Flexibility

I'm a morning person, and so I get up and stretch. I think back and laugh because I rarely stretched for any significant amount of time when I was younger. Now, it constitutes the majority of my workout. This guide from Self magazine will show you how to improve flexibility, reduce tightness and, ultimately, make your workouts safer and more efficient.

Yoga Life Studio

Back in my playing days, I would work out so hard that I’d actually make myself throw up. I have mellowed with age, and I now find myself doing less strenuous exercises and more mentally stimulating activities. Among these is yoga. In fact, I've started doing yoga with my youngest daughter from time to time, and it has allowed us to bond while sheltering in place. My first exposure to yoga came during a retreat at the beach with some of my Notre Dame colleagues. I really enjoyed what we were taught by instructors from the Yoga Life Studio in St. Joseph. The great thing is that they have audio and online classes, too.

The Rise of Push-Ups: A Classic Exercise That Can Help You Get Stronger

As part of my exercise regime I’ve added some oldies, such as bodyweight push-ups. The beauty is that they don’t require having a gym membership or owning weights. This article from Harvard Medical School will teach you how to do a proper push-up.

Places to Go Hiking in South Bend

To build up cardiovascular strength—and also clear your head—you can’t beat a brisk walk or jog through your neighborhood. And for those who want to venture a bit farther from home, this list of some of the best trails around the city, put out by Visit South Bend Mishawaka, is really helpful.

Calm

I’m a spiritual person, and I find that prayer pairs very well with my time stretching. It settles my mind and provides a sense of relaxation. Another resource that helps me to let go is the Calm app, which aids sleep and relaxation through guided meditations, soothing music and bedtime stories. I have to admit that I was skeptical about it at first. But I’ve found that it really works.