It’s a familiar scenario across the country: hard working Americans come home at the end of the day, eat their evening meal and turn on the television. And why not? It’s entertaining and relaxing after a stressful day.
The problem is, more and more Americans are putting on weight because of their inactive lifestyles. Many don’t have the energy to exercise, many don’t have the time or know-how to get fit. So how do you transform yourself from a couch potato into an avid exerciser? Is it possible to have your American Idol and lose weight too?
The answer is: Yes. Click on the TV and get to work. If you are diligent and creative, formulating workout routines that you can do during your favorite TV show is easy. Here are some guidelines to follow and ideas for easy at home exercises that will help you burn calories while you watch the tube.
While Watching Your Show
First, don’t forget to stretch. Consider a one-hour program (let’s use American Idol as an example). Do a variety of stretches during the first segment to get loose. During the next few segments, you might consider doing sets of leg lifts, squats, or ab exercises like sit ups. You can do these exercises and watch your show at the same time. Take a look at the following websites to get some exercise ideas:
- Circuit Training – Squats, Lunges, Jumping Rope, and More
- Work Out While Watching TV – Exercises for the Whole Body
- 5 Ab Exercises You Can Do In Your Living Room
During Commercial Breaks
Commercial breaks give you time to do exercises that you can’t do while sitting in front the the television. Below are three examples of exercises you can try during commercial breaks:
1. Cardio Exercises- During the first commercial break (God knows there will be enough of them), walk up and down your stairs as many times as you can to get the cardio aspect of your workout going. Since commercials usually last 2 to 3 minutes, you should have your heart pumping by the time the show returns.
2. Strength Training – Go to the pantry during one break for a few cans of soup. Try some biceps or triceps curls with these improvised weights. Or, find those 5 pound weights gathering dust in the closet and incorporate them into your TV time exercises when you want to kick it up a notch.
3. Do Some Chores – Another great idea for commercial breaks is to get a chore done such as running the vacuum, putting laundry away or ironing. You’ll get some things done and burn calories all at the same time.
Staying Hydrated and Keeping the Routine Fun
Another important part of a workout routine is taking breaks to drink some water. You can make this fun too – take a swig from a water bottle every time Simon says something mean to a contestant, or whenever Randy Jackson says the word “dog.” Whatever you do – don’t neglect keeping your body hydrated.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see the weight drop off immediately. The key to a mild workout like this is consistency. If you continue to work different parts of your body, concentrating on strength and cardio – you will eventually see results.
You’ll also find that your energy level will increase and you’ll be less stressed and cranky when you come home to your Houston apartment after work. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be so energized that you’ll record your shows and go to the gym. It could happen. Good luck!
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