How to exercise while you binge-watch TV
Most of us enjoy binge-watching our favorite TV shows while snacking on something unhealthy and sitting on the couch for hours. However, did you know that you can transform this guilty pleasure into a surprisingly productive fitness routine? In this article, we’ll discuss various ways to exercise while binge-watching TV, so you can make the most of your screen time while staying fit and healthy.
1. Warm-up exercises during the opening credits
As the opening credits roll, take this opportunity to perform some quick warm-up exercises. Stretch your arms, neck, legs, and back or simply march in place. Warming up is essential for preparing your body for more intensive exercises and to prevent injuries.
2. Cardio workouts during the show
During the episodes, engage in light cardio workouts like jogging or marching in place, jumping jacks, or high knees to keep your heart rate up. Make it more fun by monitoring the pace of the show: increase your workout intensity during action sequences and slow down during emotional scenes.
3. Strength training exercises during commercial breaks
Make use of commercial breaks to perform some strength training exercises. Bodyweight exercises are perfect for this purpose as they require no equipment and can be done anywhere. A few examples are squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks. Fit in as many reps as possible before the show resumes, and rotate through different exercises for a full-body workout.
4. Flexibility exercises while seated
Not all exercises need to be standing up or moving around. While seated, you can easily incorporate flexibility movements like ankle circles, leg stretches, shoulder rolls, and neck stretches into your TV-viewing experience.
5. Engage your core throughout the show
While watching TV shows that require minimal movement, work on engaging your core muscles by sitting with good posture or doing seated leg lifts to strengthen the lower abs muscles.
6. Fitness challenges related to the show
Add a little more excitement to your binge-watching workout routine by creating show-related fitness challenges. For example, do five burpees every time a character says a specific catchphrase or perform a 30-second plank when a recurring situation occurs.
7. Use commercial breaks for hydration and snacks
Keep a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated during your binge-watch workout session and use commercial breaks to grab healthy snacks, like carrot sticks or whole grain crackers, instead of unhealthy options.
By implementing these simple exercises and tips into your binge-watch routine, you’ll find yourself staying active, burning calories, and maintaining your fitness level without realizing the time spent in front of the TV. So, get set to enjoy your favorite shows guilt-free while working towards a healthier lifestyle!