Don’t make the mistake of skipping strength training and working only on your cardiovascular system. For sustained energy levels throughout the day you need muscle power. 

Strength training won’t make your muscles look bulky and unattractive if done correctly – Marilyn Monroe used to lift weights. Clever strength exercises – lifting weights, yoga, or light dumbbell work on your own at home – can reap great streamlining, energy-boosting rewards. If none of these appeal to you, find ways in your daily life to use your muscles more. Carry your shopping bags, lift your kids or do some squats, sit-ups and press-ups as you watch television.

 

Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and slowly start to sit down. Once your bottom is nearly in line with your knees, simply push up into a standing position, squeezing your bottom as you go. Do three sets of 10 repetitions; more if you feel able. Rest for a minute between sets.

 

Press-ups: Go down on your hands and knees, and gently bend your elbows and straighten them again, keeping your back as straight as you can. If you have the muscle strength, assume the proper press-up position with your legs stretched out behind balancing on the balls of your feet and your body parallel to the floor. Do three sets of 10 repetitions; more if you feel able. Rest for a minute between sets.

 

Sit-ups: Lie flat on the floor on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head. Using your abdominals, lift your shoulders a few inches off the floor, pause briefly and return to your starting position. Complete three sets of ten repetitions; more if you feel up to it. Rest for a minute between sets.

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