Fitness--five minutes in your bed (estimated time)

I was thinking the other day, what if I answer Elizabeth's question about bed workouts sometime soon? Well, I thought about it for a moment. You see, most of any bed workouts I do are done in MY bed. It recently occurred to me that Elizabeth sleeps in a bunk bed, where leg circles are rather difficult.

What is recommended is yoga and pilates. Depending on the height and length of the bed, there are several things you can do. Lay on your stomach. Extend your arms and legs out. If you have a bad neck like I do, you might want to keep your legs extended but put your hands beneath your chin. Now, lift both your legs and your chest up simultaneously, hold for 3 seconds, then come back down. Do this for 2-3 sets of 8 reps each (or whatever you feel comfortable with). These are called "Superman". They work the back and buttocks, part of your core.

There is also the basic crunch. You can bend your knees or straighten your legs, the latter working the lower part of your abs more as well as your upper. 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps is suitable. Remember to inhale when you're down and exhale as you come up, contracting your abs. Let your abs do all the work. Don't lead with your chin.

Push-ups are good for your chest and your arms. 2-3 sets of 10 reps each is recommended.

Lastly, your legs. It's more difficult to find bed workouts for legs because, well, you're laying down. So, roll over on your side. You can do several things while propping yourself up on your elbow. Point your toe and lift your leg up and down about 20 times. Don't rush. Repeat on the other side.

Try this and report back. Tell me if it works, how it works if it does, or if it stinks. Also, I wouldn't recommend doing it at night, because you'll most likely get some sort of second wind and you will have trouble getting to sleep. Good luck!

~Jessica