Sneaky
Lil Get-Fit-Everyday
Tricks
Some days
feel like a scheduling
train wreck, when
squeezing in 30 minutes
at the gym is next to
impossible. So we asked
readers how they cope
with that, and the
answers we got were
fabulous. Here are some
of the best: fast,
simple mini-workouts
that will help you sneak
a little fitness into
even your craziest days.
1. Jugs to lug
Mini-workout: Every
morning when you get a
jug of milk out of the
fridge, lift and lower
the gallon five times,
then switch arms.
Big impact: It will
strengthen your
shoulders and arms
tremendously. Now its a
breeze to lift all your
groceries.
2. Play tag
Mini-workout: Play tag
or Can't Catch Me, an
exhausting game of
chasing your kids until
you catch one for
tickling. Play a little
kickball and soccer,
too: If you don't move
fast enough, you get hit
with the ball or kicked
in the shin.
Big impact: It will take
a lot more to get you
winded, and you even
feel younger. Also,
dodging those shin kicks
will certainly make you
much more agile.
3. Power shower
Mini-workout: Before
your morning shower, do
12 push-ups off the edge
of the tub. Work your
calves by standing on
tiptoe while blow-drying
your hair.
Big impact: Arms and
calves will have more
definition. Feel
productive, like you've
already accomplished
something for the day.
4. Exercise during
those commercial breaks
Mini-workout: During TV
commercials, chase your
cat around your
residence or throw balls
so you can race after
them.
Big impact: Gets your
heart rate up and the
cat and you have a great
time. It usually will
make you thirsty, as
well, so you drink a lot
more water.
5. Keep the band at
hand
Mini-workout: Each
morning before you get
out of bed, grab an
exercise band and do
shoulder, back, and leg
stretches for about 15
minutes.
Big impact: More toned
and have fewer aches and
pains. What's more, the
routine lets you wake up
your body slowly.
6. Kid crunches
Mini-workout: Do sit-ups
and ab crunches with
your kids. They can sit
on your stomach while
you go up and down
(that's more pounds of
extra
strength-training).
Big impact: Get a part
of your body back and
get to play with your
kids at the same time.
7. Climb every stair
Mini-workout: Make a New
Years resolution never
to take an elevator
again. Climb up and down
flights of stairs
several times a day.
Big impact: Calves are
stronger and more
shapely. Climbing helps
to clear your head and
de-stress.
