Tips for working out while watching TV

Tips for working out while you watch tv
By: Marissa Anteby

Fun fitness doesn't have to mean foregoing your favorite show. It's a snap to work in a workout right in front of your television. Don’t worry about missing some must-see TV, these easy moves can be done during the commercial breaks!

The average 30 minute show has approximately 10 minutes worth of commercials. As long as you don’t go too easy on yourself, you'll get your heart rate up enough to benefit all the systems of your body during one episode's worth of commercial breaks. If you really want to up the ante, you can elevate your heart rate even more by repeating some of the routine during the program.

Mix 'n Match:
Pushups- If floor pushups are too difficult for you, start off by standing up with your hands on the wall, then pushing back. Do this 8 times; increase the repetitions as the exercise gets easier, then move your push-ups to the floor.

Chair squats- Stand up, sit down, then stand right back up (for even more of a workout, don't sit down all the way). Do this for the length of one commercial. For a greater challenge, do the squats again during the next commercial and add 1 minute of marching in place.

Jumping Jacks- Moving both your arms and legs adds intensity. Do 8 jumping jacks in between each of the other exercises.

Side Oblique Crunches- Lie on the couch on your left side with your legs together and your knees bent. Place your right hand behind your head with your elbow pointing toward the ceiling. Wrap your left arm across your waist. Lift your left shoulder off the couch, crunching your rib cage toward your right hip. Repeat for the duration of two commercials, then switch sides.

Crossover punches- Stand up and alternate punching your fists diagonally in front of you, crossing your body. Do this 2 sets of 8 repetitions.

Tricep Dips- Sit on the edge of the couch, placing your hands down by your sides on the seat cushions. Move your feet out so that your butt is hovering forward in mid-air. Bend your knees to a 90-degree angle. Bend your elbows so they point behind you. Lower yourself as far as comfortable. Hold, then slowly press up again.

String all these small bursts of exercises together to create a full cardio workout of your own.

marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com