Ditch the morning social media scroll and get moving for improved mood and energy.
Words: Chantelle Pattemore
‘Doing exercise first thing boosts both circulation and oxygen flow to the brain, leading to enhanced alertness and mental clarity,’ reveals Rosaria Barreto, personal trainer and founder of Mature Movers (maturemovers.uk). ‘It also releases endorphins – feel-good hormones that can enhance mood and offer a natural energy boost to start the day.’
Here, Rosario shares six exercises that are ideal to try before breakfast – and can even be done in your pyjamas! Try 30 seconds of each exercise to begin with – that’s just three minutes in total.
High knees
‘Stand upright and jog or march in place while lifting your knees as high as possible,’ instructs Rosario. Don’t worry if you can’t bring them up as high as you might like – just do what you can. ‘Maintain a brisk pace and pump your arms for added intensity.’
Bodyweight squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body down (as if sitting into a chair), keeping your back straight,’ says Rosario. ‘Rise back up, engaging your glutes and thighs.’ If you’re a bit wobbly, hold onto the back of a chair for extra support.
Star jumps
This move isn’t just for PE lessons. ‘Jump into the air, spreading your legs out to the sides and simultaneously raising your arms overhead,’ Rosario states. ‘Land as quietly as possible, with a slight bend in the knees and legs wide apart or narrow, depending on your fitness level.’ If the jump is (literally) a step too much, alternate stepping each leg out to the side as you raise your arms.
Seated mount
