FITNESS TIP: MOVE THROUGH THE COMMERCIALS

Posted by Mary Tedesco

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have our favorite TV shows. But, no matter how hooked you might be on that mini-series, detective show, or comedy, there's nothing worse than waiting for all of those commercials to end. So, use this time wisely and get a little exercise.

Try some cardio components like jumping jacks or jumping rope. When it comes to your heart, even minimal amounts of activity can make a difference, according to Robyn Stuhr, M.A., Executive Vice President of the American Council on Exercise. Get in 5 to 7 push-ups or do some light toning of your arms with 2- to 3- pound weights. Need to get some chores done that require a little physical effort? Mop the floor in between 30 Rock and ER. Ultimately, you’ll feel a lot less guilty about watching the tube, and you might even start looking forward to those endless advertisements. Do these before 9 o’clock at night, so you don’t find yourself wired when it's time to get some much-needed rest. And, for those of you that TiVo your shows, well, you'll just have to schedule twenty minutes of airtime aerobics that you sadly will miss! 

Other exercises to do during while glued to the tube:

• Jump rope in 30 second intervals.
• See how many crunches you can perform during one commercial, then rest. During the next round of commercials, see if you can beat your own record.
• Grab your yoga mat and do some light stretching.

Click on the links below for step-by-step instructions to these between-episode exercises:
Heart Smart: Tone Your Ticker

Strong Arms

Question: What ways are you getting in shape during weeknight tube time?

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Comments

[brenda sanford]

This is such great winter days advise! Thanks