Kitchen Timer

Certainly, National Sewing Month is all about sewing. Fabric and patterns, not to mention tools and products to make the process easier, are THE main ingredients of sewing. However…  

In my opinion, a kitchen timer is the sewist’s best friend.

I don’t know if you’re like me, but I can let hours pass by while I’m working on a project. I get engrossed in what I’m doing and totally forget the ole body also needs to move and stretch. I must set the kitchen timer to do just that – move! 

I went on a mission today to find some exercises I could do during short breaks from sewing. As with “any time” exercises – before beginning any exercise program – it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first!

This is what I found: 

At WebMD, I pulled out to share the ones that are done while sitting. They also have many others in the standing position! They would be good to practice while walking over to the ironing board!

š  While seated, pump both arms over your head for 30 seconds, then rapidly tap your feet on the floor, football-drill style, for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.

š  Sitting in your chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for 2 seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds. Switch; do each leg 15 times.

š  To work your chest and shoulders, place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do 15 times.

š  To stretch your back and strengthen your biceps, place your hands on the desk and hang on. Slowly push your chair back until your head is between your arms and you're looking at the floor. Then slowly pull yourself back in. Again, 15 of these.

š  Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.

š  Let your head roll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.

š  Try this yoga posture to relieve tension: Sit facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.

š  Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.

š  Women can do kegels -- tightening and holding, then loosening, their pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that control the flow of urine when you go to the bathroom). This will prevent leakage and other problems down the line.

š  Butt clenches are also helpful in today's booty-conscious society. Tighten your buttocks, hold, hold, hold, and then relax. Repeat 15 times. The same goes for ab squeezes – just tighten your tummy muscles instead.

Do you have five minutes to spare? The Dr. Oz Show has a five minute video showing some chair exercises!

The point of all this … have fun sewing, but don’t forget the ole body in the process! Set that kitchen timer and move!!!