Denise's Daily Dozen (21 page)

STOP SMOKING!

You’ll prevent more than just lung cancer! While smoking is believed to cause almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, it may also be involved in cancers of the throat, esophagus, larynx (voice box), kidneys, pancreas, stomach, cervix, and bladder. Plus, if you stop smoking, you’ll stop exposing those around you—including your family—to harmful secondhand smoke.

10. Knee Lunge Series

You can’t find a better move for toning and lifting your rear than the lunge.

  Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your hips. Lift your left knee up to hip height and then step it behind you as you bend your right knee into a lunge position. Make sure that your front knee is at a ninety-degree angle and does not go over your toes. Time: Repeat lunges for 30 seconds with the left leg; then do 30 seconds with the right leg.

11. Standing Ab Toner

Focus on your core while you gradually bring your heart rate back down.

  Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and then step your left leg behind you and bend into a lunge. Bend your arms by your sides.

  Pump your arms as you quickly lift your left leg on and off the floor using your abs and bring the knee to hip height. Time: 30 seconds. Then switch legs and repeat for 30 seconds with the right leg.

12. Cool Down

Reward your muscles for their hard work with these soothing stretches.

You deserve it!

 
BACK STRETCH
: Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Place your hands on your thighs. Round your back, pull your navel in toward your spine, and feel the stretch in your back. Time: 10 seconds.

 
CALF AND HAMSTRING
: Bend from the hips and shift your weight onto your left foot and extend the right leg straight in front of you with the right heel on the ground and toes pointing up to the ceiling. Place your hands on your thighs and sit back slightly. Time: 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.