Full body strength exercises will help you to feel strong, comfortable and energised in the kitchen, even with long hours on your feet. Ryan Daniel Beck, Owner of bodyART Training Studios – a physical therapy-inspired approach to movement, has teamed up with #PositiveKitchens to create five quick and effective bodyART workouts. These routines, each just 5-6 minutes long, are designed to seamlessly fit into your kitchen’s busy schedule.
The food industry can be demanding, but your body doesn’t have to suffer. These exercises are here to help you build whole body strength, boost flexibility, and improve muscle strength. By taking just a few minutes a day, you’ll feel stronger, more balanced and better equipped to do what you love for longer.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into these total body strength and flexibility-boosting workouts designed specifically for chefs.
bodyART exercise 1: Revive Tired Legs, Knees, Ankles and Feet
Chefs spend long hours on their feet, often standing in one place. It may feel like a challenge to carve out a few minutes in your day, but taking a quick break to practice these exercises can make a big difference.
This workout helps strengthen and relieve stress in your legs, knees, ankles and feet. All exercises are done sitting down – perfect for a fast reset and to boost whole body strength when you need it most!
Workout 1
bodyART exercise 2: Calm Your Mind and Body During a Stressful Day
In those high-pressure moments in the kitchen, stress can build up quickly. This workout uses movement to help calm your nervous system and bring you back to centre. With just two simple exercises – easy stretches paired with breathwork – all done sitting down, you can reset and refocus, even on your busiest days.
Workout 2
bodyART exercise 3: Release Back and Neck Tension
If you’re spending long hours on your feet, lifting heavy objects, or constantly hunching over a stove, it can really take a toll on your back and neck. Plus, doing repetitive tasks like chopping with one arm can throw things out of balance. These flexible body exercises are designed to release that tension and help restore balance, so you can feel more aligned and less sore after a busy day in the kitchen.
Workout 3
bodyART exercise 4: Care for Your Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists and Hands
For chefs, caring for your shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands is crucial. With all the repetitive motion in the kitchen, these areas can easily become stiff or strained. This bodyART exercise video features three simple muscle strength exercises that you can weave into your day to prevent injury, reduce pain and keep these areas of your body feeling strong and comfortable.
Workout 4
Workout 5: Boost Your Energy with Full-Body Movement
When you're feeling drained, moving your body might be the last thing you want to do – but it’s exactly what you need to get your blood flowing and recharge. This workout is all about boosting your energy with full-body strength exercises and whole-body flexibility exercises that you can do standing in one place. Simple stretches and breathwork – no equipment needed – will help you pick up your energy and feel refreshed, ready to carry on with your day.
Workout 5
Incorporating these quick bodyART workouts into your routine can help you stay strong, energised and pain-free, even during the busiest shifts. Take a few minutes to care for your body, and you'll be able to keep doing what you love with more comfort and less strain.
Did you know? Your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health. Stay strong in your body and your mind with these mental health resources:
