Fitness Friday: Saying goodbye to relatives

Whew! The holidays are finally over. In my house, we have had company for at least the past three weeks, so between Droolface's first birthday and July 4th, I am ready for 'home sweet home' to get back to being home quiet home.

During my weekly weigh-in, I was surprised to see I had amazingly lost one pound in all of the celebrating, cupcake-eating and lack of working out. Also in all the hubbub, I have not been keeping up with my morning yoga. Here's to starting fresh post-holiday!

Some new yoga moves to try out this weekend:

1 - Crescent:  Works hips and abs. Start with feet together, toes facing forward and arms at sides. Inhale while raising arms overhead, reaching fingertips toward ceiling. Exhale, bend forward at hips and place hands on the floor. Bending knees slightly is fine.

Inhale.

As you exhale, step right leg back into a lunge with one knee bent at 90 degrees. Extend the other leg and stand on ball of foot.

Inhale and raise arms overhead; gaze forward. Hold, then return to standing and repeat, switching legs each time.

2 - Hover:  Works shoulders, arms, abs, and back

Begin in push-up position on toes with arms straight, hands below shoulders, and body in line from head to heels. On an exhale, lower chest toward floor, bending elbows back, arms close to body, abs tight. Hold a few inches above floor. If you need to, you can put a knee on the floor.

3 - Chair:  Works butt and thighs

This one is my favorite because I can really feel it working my muscles.

Start with feet together, toes facing forward and arms at sides. Inhale and raise arms overhead with palms facing each other. Then exhale and sit back, like you are about to sit on a couch, but don't actually sit. Keep knees bent and abs tight to support about a 45 degree angle in your back. Gaze forward and hold. Repeat.

That's it for this installment of Fitness Friday - get out there, recuperate from the holidays and have some quiet fun this weekend inside!