How to Do a Cardio Workout While Watching TV

Not all of us are exercise enthusiasts. However, many of us want to lose weight. Even if it's only a little bit of exercise, it's important to be physically active every day to stay physically fit. An easy way to fit in your nightly entertainment and some light exercise is to do a cardio workout while watching TV. Of course, you won't turn into a buff babe overnight with this, but this a good introduction into the world of doing cardio exercise everyday...without missing your favorite TV shows.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by choosing a television show to watch while you do your cardiovascular exercise (cardio). If you DVR TV shows, great, but if you plan to do cardio while watching TV, it may be best to watch a show with commercials. Choose a show that you enjoy, but will not get completely engrossed in.

2. Stretch before you begin working out. Stretch up as if reaching the sky, then reach down to your toes. Lean to one side with one leg bent, then do the same thing with your other leg. Stretch your arms, legs, neck and any other muscles that will help you complete your workout in a more efficient and safe manner.

3. Begin your cardio workout by walking in place. Do this for at least five minutes. This will be your warm up, and will get you used to doing a cardio workout while watching TV. Stay focused on doing a steady walk. Do not slow down when the television show gets suspenseful or interesting. Keep moving and keep focused.

4. Work your way into a light jog. Jogging in place is great because you can watch your show while getting your heart rate going. If you feel comfortable jogging for a few minutes straight, great. If not, alternate between a jog and briskly walking in place.

5. If you feel comfortable, hold some light weights or soup cans and lift them while you're doing your cardio workout while watching TV. This will add a bit of a challenge to your workout. Challenging yourself, to a point, can be a fun and healthy activity.

6. Do some jumping jacks. Jumping jacks provide an excellent cardio workout, and should still allow you to focus somewhat on watching TV. If your legs or anything else starts to hurt, stop doing jumping jacks and jog or walk until you feel better.

7. Add in some kicks and punches. Channel your inner kickboxer and do some kicks (low and medium, or high if you can) and punches (jabs, undercuts, etc.) While you do these, keep your feet moving.

8. Briskly step from side to side. After you do this for a minute or so, bend your leg further back as if you're kicking your butt. Then, add arm movement. You can add whatever arm movement you choose.

9. If you've got time, repeat this whole process. You can choose to go in order again or do the cardio exercises which you enjoy most while watching TV. As long as you keep the momentum and your heart rate up, you're fine.

10. Improvise as you go along. Do some crunches, push ups, ski jumps or whatever else makes you happy. If you have one, use a step to do some step ups. Do lunges or jog back and forth across the room. Essentially, do whatever makes you happy as long as it keeps your heart rate up.

11. Do a cool down. Walk in place for a few minutes, and follow that up with some stretching. Then, drink some water. It's important to stay hydrated while and after you do cardiovascular exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel comfortable, hold some light weights or soup cans and lift them while you're doing your cardio workout while watching TV. This will add a bit of a challenge to your workout.
• Use commercials as an opportunity to work out harder than you do during the show. You don't need to watch commercials intently, so do some tough stuff like strong kicks and punches, or do some crunches.
• Keep water on hand at all times, and remember to stay hydrated during your cardio workout.

[vintage]

on 7/15/2009 good multitasking, great article 5*

[edieness]

on 7/10/2009 Nice work writing How to Do a Cardio Workout While Watching TV.