Kindly Strength

Arms workout

Time needed: 1 minute. Intensity: Easy to Moderate.

  • Benefits:
    • Increased strength in arms & shoulders
    • Increased emotional strength to be able to hug someone in need
    • Muscle memory of hug position to increase likelihood
    • Builds resistance to embarrassment
    • Relaxes tense face and shoulder muscles
    • Increased incidence of smiling.
  • You will need:
    • Arms
    • pillow or similar
    • Stamina.
Step 1
Steps 2 & 3

Instructions – Easy level:

  1. Find a pillow or similar (cushion, puffy coat)
  2. Wrap arms around pillow in gentle hug motion
  3. Hold for 2-5 seconds
  4. Let go slowly – do not drop pillow
  5. Do not worry if you are blushing, it’s a sign it’s working
  6. Don’t turn away or grimace
  7. Repeat 2-10 times

Instructions – Moderate level:

As per Easy level and add:

  • Do a gentle squeeze or pat at Step 3 (hold)
  • Upgrade step 5 to a smile or shoulder pat.

Instructions – Expert level:

Follow instructions for Moderate level workout. Use a live subject to hug – fellow human, animal, tree. Remember this will increase resistance and therefore strength. Uncomfortable means it is working.