4 Simple workouts you can do during commercial breaks

WORKOUT WHILE YOU WATCH

Have you been skipping the gym to tune into your favorite show on Netflix and Amazon Prime? To help you catch your fave shows and break a sweat at the same time, we’ve got four quick workouts you can fit in during commercial breaks (or when you put a pause on the shows) so you can be a couch potato without looking like one.

STRETCH AND SAY AHHH

Stretching is crucial to keeping your body limber and it’s as easy as just re-positioning your body on the couch or floor. Stretching can also help you relax, making your TV viewing more enjoyable. Slowly stretch your back, shoulders, hamstrings, calves and obliques so you’re better prepared for physical activity.

COMMERCIAL CARDIO 

Commercials are the perfect length of time to get your heart pumping with some light interval training. Switch up the moves when the commercial changes to make a well-rounded routine.

1. Invisible jump rope – Start with feet shoulder width apart. With your arms at your sides, pretend you’re grasping onto an invisible jump rope. Begin hopping up and down and moving your arms in circles to imitate the real thing.
2. Stool steppers – Grab a step stool and step up onto it with one foot. Lift your opposite foot into the air, balancing and holding the leg parallel to the floor. Step down and repeat, alternating your lead foot each time.
3. Ski hops – Keeping your upper body tight and still, jump from side to side keeping your legs together. Land with knees bent to avoid injury.
4. Punches and uppercuts – Stand with feet shoulder width apart and begin punching straight in front of you and back, then slightly pivot your hips to the side and bend your knees while bringing your arm up to punch toward the ceiling. Switch back and forth on both sides.

AB WORKOUT MARATHON

If you’re watching a marathon, you may as well treat your abs to one too! Stock up on healthy snacks and find the remote because these quick moves can be done without ever leaving the couch!

1. Knee-to-chest ab lifts – Scoot to the edge of the couch and lift your legs to your chest while exhaling, then straighten them parallel to the floor and hold for 10 seconds. Lower your legs and repeat.
2. Superman – Move everything and lie facing down on the couch with arms and legs extended. All at once, raise your arms, chest and legs and hold. Come back to the starting position and repeat.
3. Side planks – Begin by lying on your side with your feet stacked vertically. Lift up onto your forearm to make a plank. Hold and repeat. Note: This exercise can be even more challenging on the sofa than on the floor because your body has to work harder to stabilize itself!

SHOW ‘EM HOW YOU RIDE

Fight your attraction to those tempting junk food commercials by getting in a good bike workout. Pedal exercisers can be placed in front of a chair, making them easily moveable. Keep your chest elevated and your abs slightly contracted while moving your feet in a circular motion. Increase the intensity during every workout to see benefits quickly.