Finding time for exercise is sometimes a challenge, but relaxing at home while watching TV can be productive. Here are my strategies for burning calories while being entertained:
Plan exercise into your day. Walk with your spouse, a friend or family before your favorite show starts.
Jump on a stationary bike or elliptical and watch your show while moving. After you adjust to TV with exercise you’ll never want it any other way.
Buy a small trampoline to help you incorporate bursting exercises during those long commercial breaks.
Some of my favorite exercises can be done while watching TV. Personally, I like doing jumping jacks, pushups and leg lifts during the first half of a show. On commercial breaks, I change it up by doing crunches and squats with light weights. All of these exercises help build strength and can be done in a half hour time period.
Stretching is huge! It improves blood flow to the muscles, flexibility and helps your ability to move joints.
Stretching is also an important tool to help reduce chronic stress. So, get off the couch and stretch your body while watching TV.
The problem with TV is what it leads to: the mindless eating of garbage. In my house I reach for healthy fat and protein options like a smoothie with protein, almond milk and coconut butter. I also love coconut wraps with almond butter, flax crackers with guacamole, or a protein bar. Raw nuts to munch on are another good option. The point is to eat low glycemic snacks that don’t spike insulin.
I recently discovered that Netflix offers a wide range of fitness videos often available for free trial periods. Take a break from binge watching Game of Thrones, and spend a few minutes with your new best friend, Wii Fit or Netflix fitness