Television is a big part of our lives. Without even realizing it, the TV can take up a big part of our day. The average American actually watches more than 5 hours of television each day!(1) As we age, this number just keeps getting bigger.
If you’ve fallen victim to watching and sitting a little too much, here’s my solution: work out while you watch! Increase your calorie burn each day by moving instead of sitting. You’re also less likely to be mindlessly snacking if you’re keeping your body busy. Increase your calorie burn and decrease your caloric intake, one show at a time.
Here are a few workout suggestions for some of my favorite TV shows:
Friends
Joey hits on a girl—10 squats
Chandler makes a joke—5 push-ups
Ross and Rachel start to get together—10 lunges
Phoebe sings—20 jumping jacks
Someone mentions Ross’s divorces—20 mountain climbers
Chandler smokes—20 high knees
“We were on a break!”—15 tricep dips
Monica cleans—5 burpees
How I Met Your Mother
Robin Sparkles is mentioned—5 burpees
Slap bet—15 squat jacks
An intervention is held—Plank for 30 seconds
Yellow umbrella, red cowboy boots, or blue french horn are seen or talked about—5 push ups
Barney high fives—15 jumping jacks
Telepathic conversations—Butt kickers for the duration of the conversation
“Legendary”—20 Russian twists
Barney’s rules and laws are mentioned—10 reverse lunges
The “crazy/hot” scale is referenced—15 Russian twists
“Challenge accepted”—5 V-ups
Ted narrates—10 hip raises
Parks & Rec
Garry is called by any other name—10 mountain climbers
Tammys are mentioned or seen—5 burpees
Tom has an entrepreneurial idea—10 squats
Duke Silver is seen—20 high knees
“Treat yo self”—30 second wall sit
There is a town hall meeting—10 jack knives
April smirks at the camera—15 bicycle crunches
New Girl
Schmidt puts money in the jar—10 jump lunges
Schmidt abbreviates a word—15 Russian twists
Jess sings—30 seconds side plank on each side
Winston talks about his cat—15 tricep dips
Schmidt talks about Cece—5 squat jumps
Someone takes a shower—20 lateral lunges
Alternatively, you could work out during all the commercials instead. Just complete each movement for the duration of the ad.
Car ad—Calf raises
Sale ad—Jumping jacks
Sports ad—Run in place
Celebrity is used—Hold a plank
Comparison ad—Squats
Beauty ad—Jack knives
Insurance ad—Reverse lunges
Food ad—Butt kickers
Try to stay active during your regular sitting time...a little more movement each day can make a big difference.
iFit Trainer
Emily Wiley
1. http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/average-american-watches-5-hours-tv-day-article-1.1711954
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
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