Keto Exercises | Here’s What Works For Me

Now that I have settled into Keto and I am losing weight steadily, it’s time we talked about moving our backsides and doing some Keto Exercises. The weight loss leaves behind sagging skin and muscles. From now onwards I will share with you every Monday a set of exercises that you can do in the comfort of your home. Do them for a week and you will get a fair enough idea of your physical strength. If you are a working woman with kids like me, going to the gym is like a dream, which might never come true. And the same logic applies to a young man who might be rushing to work in the morning and coming late in the evening. Do these exercises and slowly and steadily your body will become stronger. It’s your body and your responsibility, to make it look pretty and presentable again. Keto is not just about losing weight; it is also about becoming healthy and fit.

We will be talking about the foam roller and the exercise ball today. Two very simple devices which can be used in tandem for decent results. As when you will lose weight you will realize that the fat disappears from every part of your body, except the abdomen or tummy. It takes the longest to go from here. But if you do some exercise it only helps the body in toning the abdomen faster.

Exercise Ball

Nivia Anti Burst Ball With Foot Pump

So what’s the big deal about this ball? They are also called stability balls or fitness balls. They are fun to sit on, and can be used effectively to increase your strength and cardio endurance. They can be used to do squats, push-ups and many other strength-building exercises. They are a great option for people like me, who have had tremendous weight loss in a short period, as they manage to cut the strain on the muscles and spine.

Choose the correct size!

You would ask me, which is the correct size of the ball. Most balls come in three diameters. You should buy one according to your height. 55 cm for those between 4’11” and 5’4,” 65 cm for people between 5’4” and 5’7,” 75 cm for people between 5’11” and 6’7” As a rule when you sit on the ball, the hips and knees should be at right angles with the floor. I use this exercise ball: Physique 55cm Anti Burst Gym Ball with Hand Pump So are you ready to go?

Exercise with stability/exercise ball

1 Ball push up

This is one of the best uses that you can put an exercise ball to. It targets the muscles on your chest and the triceps. It is also great for sagging breasts. Place your legs on the ball and keep them straight. Try to keep up a stable and comfortable position. At first, that might not be easy, but soon you will get the hang of it. Now push yourself up with the help of your arms. Breathe in when you go down and breathe out when you come up. And you don’t need to stress yourself out from the first day itself. Start with 3 sets of 10 reps at first. After a week you can increase the reps to 12, 14 and so on.

2 Ball Sit-up

This set is very effective for strengthening the abdominal muscles. It can make your core muscles work. If you do them regularly, over a period of time your hip muscles will also get strong. Place your body face-up on the ball and get into a comfortable position. Your knees should be at ninety degrees with the floor. Now cross your arms behind your head, pr on your chest and try to pull yourself up. Please do not push yourself, listen to the signs of your body. I don’t want you to get hurt. If you feel any sharp pain or discomfort, please stop immediately.

3 Ball Arm-Leg Extension

This is an excellent exercise, which targets all the muscles in your body. It is especially good for your lower and upper back muscles. If done regularly, it strengthens your hamstrings and buttocks. Lie down on your stomach and try to touch the floor with your feet. Now in sets of three lift your alternate leg and arm and hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat five to ten times in sets of three.

4 Lower-Ab Crunch

This set of exercises will target your tummy and your abs. If you do this regularly your abs will tighten and you will eventually lose the tummy fat. Lie down on the floor and place your arms beside you. Now put your legs on the ball, with your calves touching the ball. Take a deep breath and lift your back, without arching your back. If you keep your abdominal tight, that will greatly help. Pull the ball towards your self, by folding your knees. Exhale and push the ball back by stretching your legs. I do this exercise every day, and let me tell you that I can feel the muscles tightening instantly. Do three sets of 10 reps.

Foam Roller

The main purpose of a foam roller is to reduce inflammation and improve your flexibility. In layman’s terms it relaxes your muscles and gets you going for the next day. And if you haven’t invested in one, it’s high time you considered it. Using a foam roller is like giving yourself a sports massage. It removes the stress from your joints and scar tissue, improves your blood circulation and flexibility. You can use the foam roller on its own or combine it with a pre or post-workout routine. And if you plan to use it before a weight training session, try doing a quick warm-up beforehand. The foam roller can be used differently for different parts of the body. But before you do any exercise just roll on it back and forth for twenty to thirty seconds. While you are rolling take deep breaths and relax. As a rule do not roll on your joints, keep it positioned under your muscles. And if you seem to be hitting a tender spot, stop the rolling and apply pressure on that point for thirty seconds or more. And when you get the foam roller home for the first time, try rolling on it for the first week or so to get a hang of it.

Also Read: Indian Keto Diet for Beginners: A Complete Guide

Why use a foam roller?

Foam rollers are known to release tension when used correctly. They are effective in releasing the stress in the area between the muscles and the fascia. This tightness is an aftereffect of an exercise regimen, which is repetitive, like running, brisk walking, and other action-oriented sports and activities. Foam rolling also decreases the risk of injury and increases your range of movement. The basic fundamental used in foam rolling is body weight. So when you are rolling go gentle on the areas that are hurting and shift your weight elsewhere by using your arms. Work to your personal threshold of pain.

Does foam rolling hurt?

I won’t lie by saying no. But you soon forget the pain, when you experience happy muscles, and quick recovery. For best results choose a dense roller. My favorite roller is this one: Iso Solid Trigger Point Foam Roller

Exercise with a foam roller

1 Upper Back/Thoracic Spine

Rest your back on the broad side of the foam roller. It should be positioned underneath the blades of your shoulder. Now bend your knees, so that your feet are flat. Lift your butt and cross your arms over your chest or behind your head. Tighten your muscles and start rolling forward and backward. The roller should move up and down in the area between the middle of your back and top of your shoulder blades. Warning: Please do not lift your head to look at your legs, as you might strain your spine.

2 Quadriceps

Lie on your stomach. Place the roller under your thighs. Next bend your elbows so that your forearms are flat on the floor. Your feet should be in a suspended position. Draw in your abs and start rolling. You will need to use your arms to move forward and backward. The roller will move between your pelvic bone and the knees.

3 Calves

Sit on the floor and place the roller under your calves. Place your hands comfortably on the floor behind you. Now raise your butt, and ensure that your weight is on your hands and on the roller. Now start rolling forward and backward. The roller should move from below your knees to above your ankles. By now you must have realized the health benefits of incorporating an exercise ball and a foam roller in your daily routine. The whole exercise takes less than half an hour. Do remember to warm up beforehand and cool off properly too. Needless to say, stay hydrated.

I am enclosing two video links which you can use in order to get a better idea of what you need to do.

Using an exercise ball

Using a Roller Foam