Watch the Game or Work Out? Do Both!
by Catherine Santino
Here's some excellent news: You don't have to choose between working out and catching the big game! In fact, engaging in some exercise while watching TV can be considered multitasking at its finest.
Sure, you might not be able to work out while joining your friends at the bar during the game, but there are plenty of other ways to get in a good sweat session. Exercising while watching sports may even help motivate you to get that heart rate up!
Basically, it's a win-win. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as football season approaches.
Watch at the Gym
What better way to distract yourself during an elliptical session than getting lost in the game? If you've got a workout planned but there's a game on that you don't want to miss, position yourself near a television at the gym so you can exercise while watching TV.
As an added benefit, you may feel more inclined to work out when witnessing professional athletes go head-to-head. You might even start up a conversation with a fellow fan and find a new workout buddy!
Commercial Break = Workout Break
If you're watching at home, use the commercial breaks as designated workout time. While waiting for the game to come back on, try squeezing in some of these home-friendly exercises:
- 30-second plank
- 1 minute of jumping jacks
- Lunges (15 reps on each leg)
- Squats (10 reps)
- Sit-ups (two sets of 15 reps)
- 30-second wall squat
Make It Your Own Game
The only thing better than squeezing in exercise while watching TV is incorporating your own game. Sounds interesting, right?
First, establish a list of things to watch out for beforehand — like every time someone makes a touchdown, the referee blows the whistle, or the camera pans to a face-painted fan. Then, whenever something on your list happens, do one (or more) of the exercises from the list above.
You're guaranteed to get in a great workout, and it probably won't even feel like one — especially if you invite some friends to join in on the fun.
Make Halftime a Friendly Competition
Of course, there are other creative ways enjoy the company of friends and family during your exercise/TV watching session! At halftime, have your guests participate in a little friendly competition with a game of touch football outside. Losing team has to do 20 pushups! The winning team can help count.
As always, please consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. See full medical disclaimer here.