IF YOU DO ONE THING TODAY... DO THE BEAR WALK

As humans, we have the unique capacity to move in many different ways, compared to all other species in the animal kingdom.

To mimic walking like a bear – on all fours – not only fires up numerous muscle groups and improves your core, it also provides the opportunity to lark around for the sake of it. This is a great whole bodyweight exercise (but especially the shoulders) that develops tremendous strength. It also takes some concentration in terms of co-ordination.

Give it a go now, and I can guarantee that once you stop giggling about how silly you might look, you’ll find it quite a physical challenge.

Get on all fours, knees off the ground, with your arms straight and your wrists in line with your shoulders.

Lift your left hand to take your first ‘step’ forward, simultaneously shifting your right leg forward. Proceed to ‘walk’ forward in this way.

Take the process slowly as the more controlled you do this, the more challenging it becomes but the stronger you will get. Attempt to take several motions backwards too. Keep breathing steadily and slowly.

Try walking for a minute before taking a 60-second rest and repeating twice more.

TIP: As a beginner with less strength, you may start with your knees on the floor, or take more breaks in between.