Fitness in the Tub

When all is said and done, possibly the most Epicurean arena for exercise is the bathtub. Get some bubbles going, maybe some scented oils, a candle, who knows — maybe even an exercise partner (the size of your tub and energy levels permitting).

Assuming a solo experience, however, try some of the suggestions given below. They come recommended by

Carolyn Maxwell, who after a day of being chef, manager, bookkeeper, and sometimes bottle washer at her own restaurant admits she can begin to feel a little sautéed herself. “Especially nice about the bathtub workout, in addition to being so relaxing,” she says, “is that you needn’t follow it with a shower.”

Tub Stretches and Strengthening Exercises

The hot water of a bath con make ”tubbing” ideal for stretching.

1) Gently pull your right knee in as close as you can to your chest, hold tor several seconds, then repeat with the other knee. (This is good for stretching the muscles at the back of the upper leg — the hamstrings ——
plus those troublesome muscles of the lower back.)

2) Grab your right wrist with your left hand, raise your hands over your head, then lean slowly from side to side as far as you can, concentrating on stretching the muscles at your shoulders and neck. Switch your grip and repeat.

3) Lean as far forward as you con, keeping your legs straight, and grab your toes. Hold for several seconds, then release. (This stretches the lower back, the hamstrings, and the calves.)
You can also do some strength training in the tub, if you’re in the mood:

4) Place your palms on the rim of both sides of the tub, and press yourself upward until your arms are straight. Lower yourself, then repeat until fatigued. (Good tor the triceps ——- the muscles of the back of the upper arm — and also the chest muscles,or pecs.”)

5) With legs slightly bent, grab behind your knees and try to pull your knees into your chest, providing resistance, however, so that you feel considerable tension in your forearms and biceps.
Hold this position of exertion for about 6 seconds, relax, then repeat until you’ve done a set of 10.