MORNING EXERCISE

Early exercise should be done gracefully like a slow motion ballerina. We don’t want to shock the system before it’s fully awake. Begin by exercising for a few minutes in the first day and gradually extend the time in the following weeks.

STRETCH AND SWING

Stand with your legs apart and your arms extended above your head, then begin swinging from the waist, first to the left and then the right. As a warm-up for this and other exercise, do an awakening stretch while you’re still in bed by lying on your back and gently stretching the whole body. Tense yourself as you stretch, then relax completely.

ANKLE REACHING

Stand with your feet apart. Touch the left ankle with the right hand and hold for a count of five. Stand upright. Touch the right ankle with the left hand and, again, hold while you count to five. Repeat five to 10 times.

CIRCULAR ARMS

Stand straight with your feet apart and your arms by your sides. Lift your arms to shoulder level, then upwards (as shown at top left) in a circular motion. Do five to 10 times.

DEEP BREATHING

Before you get up in the morning, sit up in bed and straighten your back, then inhale for the count of five and exhale for the count of five. Repeat 10 times.

SHOULDER TWIST

Stand with your feet apart and extend your arms in front of you at shoulder level. Turn your head, shoulders and arms to the left and then to the right in a swinging motion. Keep your arms extended and level. Repeat five to 10 times.