What a lucky bunny! He is getting to eat lots of carrots!

Happy Easter, Passover and Spring!

Don't Try The Chair Challenge

Thanks to our wonderful volunteer Susana who brought the "Chair Challenge" to our attention. We are always searching for new workouts, however, this is NOT an exercise we can condone. That being said, daredevil Rachel just had to try it.

This was the challenge: Start by sitting in a chair, then go under the chair, and return to a seated position, all without touching the ground. We feel it is a surefire way to end up with bumps and bruises and possibly a trip to the hospital.

The move started as a training exercise for intense rock climbers, but now people all over social media are trying it out. We feel there is a risk of serious injuries so DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME (or at work).

Watch Rachel trying the challenge. It will make you chuckle. Remember, do as we say, not as we do and... DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME (or at work)!

Watch this video to see some other people trying to succeed:

Again, we cannot emphasis this enough: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME (or at work)!

Get Fit while Helping the PWPL

For those of you who live in Port Washington, we have a great way for you to get some walking in during the month of April while helping the children's department of the Port Washington Public Library. During the entire month the children's department will be running a game entitled: The New Great Library Card Adventure.

Those who participated in the past will remember playing a scavenger hunt in the children’s room. However, the children’s room is currently undergoing a complete renovation and there isn’t enough space to safely play the scavenger hunt in its temporary home. We didn’t want to cancel the game because so many children look forward to it. The popularity of Pokémon Go gave us the idea of taking the game to the streets. Although not as complex as Pokémon Go, the New Great Library Card Adventure works with an electronic device and uses QR codes to give clues to various buildings along Main Street.

Here is an example of a QR code that links to a couple of introductory videos about the game:


How can I help, you may ask? Well, besides being great exercise and learning some history about the buildings that were chosen for the game we need you to help us check up on the QR codes and make sure none are missing from their assigned windows.

The adventure begins and ends at the children's room at the library, so stop by to say hello. And, if you don't live in our town try exploring your own town, or visit Port Washington to try out the game. We'd love to meet our readers!

Spring Training

The NY Mets home opener is almost here! This is a big deal for all Mets fans (Rachel) who have been waiting for the start of what hopes to be a great season (again, Rachel).

As you can tell, one of us is very excited about the day (still Rachel). The other is indifferent. However, we both know the importance for athletes of all ages and abilities to get into shape for the season. Here's a workout that you can do to get you in tip top shape:

Round the Bases
Go to your local baseball diamond and see how many “home runs” you can make with this workout (or modify it at home):
1. First warm up your muscles by jogging one time around the bases.
2. Starting at home plate sprint to first base and do 10 jumping jacks.
3. Sprint to second base and do 10 squats. For a reminder of how to do squats see our previous entry:  Book Shelving Squats
4. Run to third base and do 5 push-ups (on knees or toes depending on your comfort level).
5. Sprint to home plate, and catch your breath.
6. If you are not too tired do steps 2-5 one or more times. Gradually add additional circuits (steps 2-5) to your workout. The goal is to complete 9 rounds or “innings" in one session.

Mets opening day countdown:



Disclaimer to our readers: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

R & R with Rachel (Rants and Raves with Rachel): Can This Be the Next Generation of Standing Desks?!

If you happen to have read my post on May 14, 2014 entitled "Take a Stand Against Sitting" you know that I designed my own standing desk at work. Sitting for hours during the day was killing my body. It is now over 2 years since I made my desk and I am still happily standing for the majority of my work day. While I had initially hoped to be given a treadmill desk I have since read a few opinion articles about them that say that after the newness of the desk wears off walking at 2 m.p.h. all day tends to get a little monotonous. So I continue to happily stand. But I am asking all furniture manufacturers....wouldn't it be great to have a stand up desk on wheels?!?

Strengthening Your Ankles and Feet

Because this is the second time in a few years that Rachel is rehabbing from an ankle injury we thought it might be time to list a few exercises that can help strengthen your ankles and feet. Most all of these exercises can be done throughout your day.

If you are recovering from an ankle or foot injury ask your doctor if it's okay to do the exercises that follow before you begin.

ALPHABET LETTERS

This exercise will help to increase your range of motion. In a seated position, lift your foot off the ground. Using your big toe as a "pencil," try to write the letters of the alphabet in the air. Do the entire alphabet 3 times with each foot.

ANKLE CIRCLES

Sitting on a chair, lift one leg off the ground. Move your ankle from side to side, up and down, and around in circles. Do 5 to 10 circles in each direction with each leg.

THE FLAMINGO

Standing, lift one foot off the ground and balance with your eyes open. Switch feet and do again. Once you can balance on each foot for a minute, try doing the same exercise with your eyes closed. You might find that you are better at balancing on one foot more than the other.

HEEL RAISES

Raise your heels up slowly by going into a tip toe position. Slowly drop the heels back down. Repeat 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

THE MONOPOLY GAME

Put several small objects on the floor, like marbles or Monopoly pieces. Using your toes, pick up the pieces one at a time and put them in a cup or bowl. Do 2 sets of 10 with each foot. You can also use a towel instead of small objects.

R & R with Rachel (Rants and Raves with Rachel): Oh The Weather Outside Is???.....Amazing Today!!!

There are very few days when I don't like to go outside and at least take a short walk. No matter how cold it is I like to get some fresh air. Today however is a gift! The meteorologists are predicting the temperature to go up to 60 degrees. Can it be just a few days ago I was shoveling? Take some time to get outside and take a walk, even if it is only for a few minutes. More snow is sure to make an appearance this winter so take advantage of this amazing day!

Walk on my friends, walk on!