Exercise Hor’s D’Oeuvres

Today’s New York Times has a good article about “exercise snacks”, click here, short work-outs to help keep you fit.  It made me smile because several years ago I coined the phrase “exercise hor’s d’oeuvres” to describe the short videos I post on my website. The idea is that, just like delicious appetizers, these brief videos will stimulate your appetite to move more.  Some of my “exercise hor’s d’oeuvres” explain classic strength or flexibility techniques such as how to stretch your hamstring muscles correctly without harming your back. Others dip into Tai Chi/Qigong and teach simple, safe and pleasurable ways to improve balance, increase energy, and reduce stress. I hope you take advantage of them whenever you need a little nudge to get moving. Just go to the “video library” (maybe I should call it the video menu?) at www.criscaivano.com.   

Here’s my latest “exercise hor’s d’oeuvre”.  It’s the neck and upper back stretch I taught in our Zoom Qigong class yesterday, and it’s absolutely mouth-watering. Enjoy the “Dragon Stretches Its Tail” exercise. Bon Appetit!