By Katie Lewin
The importance of exercise is indisputable, but let’s face it, not all of us are chiseled, sweat band-sporting workout gurus. Some of us would much rather cozy up in our sweat pants than actually sweat in them. Luckily, there’s hope for the couch potato at heart. These three easy fitness hacks prove there’s something for everyone — even the chronically lazy. And best of all, you don’t even need to break (much of!) a sweat.
While ab exercises may not be a favorite to most, they do have one great thing going for them — most require you to be on your back, which is perfect for those lazy Sundays (or Mondays, or Tuesdays...) when you don’t feel like crawling out from under the covers. The brilliance of this simple workout from Mary Ann Wilson, RN, founder of the non-profit Sit and be Fit, is that it can be done in bed! Here’s what to do:
Want to get a workout but not at the expense of missing your binge-watching session of House of Cards? Good news! You don’t have to choose between fitness and fandom. Netflix put together a guide called “Watch It While You Work It” that calculates the average calories that can be burned on the treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical while you catch up on your favorite shows.
The latest 22-minute episode of New Girl? 152 calories. Binging on an entire season of Orange is the New Black? 4,995 calories! Whether you invest in an elliptical or pace in place doesn’t make a significant difference, but be aware of a possible arch and hyperextension in your neck, which can occur from peering at a screen from unusual angles.
Image Courtesy of Netflix
You know the feeling. You’ve been staring at your laptop screen for hours, dazed and disoriented, eyes as glazed as a donut. Next time you’re fighting Facebook fatigue and need to take a break, why not pump some invisible iron? Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as strenuous as it sounds — you won’t even need to get up from your chair!
This exercise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t involve any free weights, but still strengthens your upper body and your grip, and increases the flexibility of your arms, back and shoulders in just a few easy steps:
Oh, and an added bonus of strength training? Increased focus. A recent study found that in older women, strength and resistance training programs led to improved cognitive function. Which is perfect for those long, grueling hours pinning recipes for pizza and cupcakes on Pinterest. You got this, champ.
Published on January 20, 2015. Updated on December 16, 2015.
Katie Lewin is a Bay Area-based health and lifestyle writer.
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