Ever think about getting a quick work out in while you’re brushing your teeth or on the shower? It’s not a typical time of day to be thinking about breaking a sweat but with the minimal time we have in the morning, and how tired we are at night, we don’t really need to go to the gym to work our muscles everyday. The bottom line is that some exercise is way better than no exercise. Here’s how to fit in some time in between all the things you need to do.
1. TV Workout
We all just want to crash on the couch when we get home from work but setting up a few weights, a yoga ball and a mat in front of the TV will temp you into getting up and doing something. My personal favorite is the “commercial crunch”. Go for as long as the commercial break, usually 2-4 minutes. You can also do squats, jump rope, bicep curls or yoga all while watching TV, or Netflix.
2. Shower Workout
Whether you get a few push ups in on the bathroom while you wait for the water to warm up or squat while you lather your hair, you have 10, 15 (or 20 for me) minutes to get a little burn going. Since it is recommended to leave conditioner in for 2-5 minutes anyways there is no reason to just stand there! Do push ups against the wall, engage your core in some balancing work outs or define those legs with calf raises. Just make sure your shower is slip proof, first! Also, you can’t deny that working up a lather in your hair is quite a bit of a workout in and of itself…
3. Tooth Brush Workout
You spend 2 minutes every morning and night (hopefully!) brushing your teeth. Some call this workout “The Sensodyne 5”. This includes 10 squats, 10 single leg balances, 10 modified jacks, 10 lunges and 10 calf raises. The Sensodyne 5 is completed in the amount of time it takes you to brush and rinse! P.S- modified jacks require you to only do the leg part of a jumping jack, leaving your hands free for brushing those pearly whites.
4. Blow Dry Workout
Now this I must try. Add wrist weights to your arms while blow drying your hair! This will increase the resistance and build muscle just standing there. Depending how long your hair is, it could take up to 15 minutes to completely dry providing you with a very satisfying arm work out.
5. Coffee Brew Workout
It could take up to 8 minutes for your coffee to brew, depending on what machine you use. This gives you plenty of time to use chairs, counter tops or even the floor to get your heart rate up. In some of my work out classes we put dish towels under our feet and slide in and out of lunges, you wouldn’t believe how much it burns! And how convenient that dish towels are typically kept in the kitchen. Use chairs for tricep dips, the counter top or island for push ups or the step stool for working your hips, thighs and glutes. Do these while you cook too!
6. High Heel Workout
There are even classes devoted to working out in stilettos, so there must be a reason. How do you think Beyonce and Rihanna can dance for hours in heels?? Although it is very easy to roll an ankle while doing this, there are many benefits. You can improve you balance, work your core and get solid muscle on your legs from a high heel work out. So if you wear heels to work or want to burn a few calories before a night out this is the perfect way to do it.
7. Conference Call Workout
What is usually done during a conference call? A lot of sitting. Using your desk or chair as equipment is possible without breathing heavily or having a co-worker walking by giving you a weird look. Chair push ups and tricep dips, seated spine twists, squats, neck stretches, side bends and calf raises are all examples of exercises you can do while on a conference call. Talk about multi-tasking!
For more Workout tips, check out our articles here.
What’s your favorite anytime, anywhere workout?
Images via iStock
Thanks for linking to my page.