12 Ingenious Ways To Workout While You Cook Or Watch TV
No time in the day for exercise? Here's how you can clock in some movement, even while you're winding down after a long day of work
As adults, we simply don't have time for everything – which is why every bit counts, especially when it comes to self-care in all its various forms. If you live by the mantra that "a little bit of exercise goes a long way", we've got some solid tips to help you out. Here's how to squeeze in some incidental workout moves while cooking dinner or watching your favourite TV show:
When getting the ingredients out of the cupboards feel how heavy they are by lifting them up and down a few times.
Turn on some music that you can dance to, or move along with, while cooking.
Do a few extra squats when getting ingredients or utensils out of lower drawers .
While standing and waiting for the food to boil or be microwaved, try and contract your stomach muscles. This may require you to tilt your pelvis up. Try putting your hands on your lower abdominal muscles and see if you can feel them working.
Try cutting up vegetables by hand instead of using a food processor or pre-cut varieties. This can be a great reliever of stress and frustration.
Try and mix ingredients by hand instead of using a mixer (this will take longer but you will see great results in arm strength and hand grip strength).
Try opening a jar lid and then tightening it back up again. Repeat this several times.
Instead of setting the table all at once, walk around the table placing the forks, then around again placing the spoons and so forth.
Try walking on the spot while watching TV. Remember it all adds up to help increase your energy expenditure.
Instead of sitting there watching the same old boring commercials, why not get up and move around during the ad break. Try some stomach contractions or pelvic floor exercises.
Tune in, not out: Research has shown that while watching some TV programs, the energy used is actually only equal to that used while asleep. Therefore, try and keep your mind and body active while watching TV.
Don't just find a comfortable position and stay in it, wiggle your legs, circle your feet or move your arms or hands and become a wiggly watcher. Remember: every little bit helps!
For more fitness and exercise tips, read Body Confidence Tips From Three Superfit Women, 6 Best Low Impact Workouts For Busty Women and This Easy Breathing Exercise Is Said To Give You A Flat Tummy.
Text: Australian Women's Weekly / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew