11/03/09

Excuses to not work out are easy to come by. I know. Believe me, they run through my head like a CNN news ticker. But here’s the thing: you can get a workout in, even on your craziest of busy days, without even trying. How? By multi-tasking your day. More than making personal calls while driving or walking the dogs, repeating your self-empowering mantra while brushing your teeth, and giving yourself a much needed manicure while on a conference call, you can turn any daily activity into a calorie burner.

How? Turn making dinner into a calorie-burning activity. Considering that you will have just burned off a few, it might make you think twice before adding that extra tablespoon of butter to the pan. (Chicken stock is a better fat-free alternative - just saying…)

COOKING DINNER?
Shoulder Presses and Tricep Pushes - Use that supersize jug of olive oil as a hand weight. After pouring the requested teaspoon into the pot, twist on the cap and raise that jug overhead (pretend it’s a kettle bell or dumbbell depending on the size and shape) and do shoulder presses and tricep pushes. Do 15 reps of each before repeating on the other side. It’s a great way to tone up your shoulders, cut back some of the bra strap fat and trim those bat wings.

WASHING DISHES?
Heel rises - Place your feet hip-width apart and simply press your body up onto the balls of your feet, then lower slowly and with control back down. To get the most out of this move, tighten your tush with each heel raise and focus on engaging your core (imagine that you are about to be hit in the stomach, what do you do? You harden your stomach muscles - that’s what I mean by “engaging your core”). If done completely you will feel the burn in your calves, quads, butt and stomach. Repeat 15-50 times (until you feel the burn). V-Heel Rise - To work slightly different muscles (particularly your inner calves), form your feet into the shape of a V with your heels glued together. Repeat the above exercise while keeping your heels pressed together the entire time. Reverse V-Heel Rise - That’s right, you are going to do the exact same exercise but with your toes pressed together and your heels spread apart in a V. Raise your heels again to target your outer calves.

WAITING FOR THE WATER TO BOIL?
Counter Pushups - First, be sure that your feet feel secure and slip-proof on the floor. Now stand facing the countertop with a couple of feet between the tips of your toes and the cabinet. Place your hands on the edge of the counter, shoulder-width apart, and slowly and with control bend your elbows, pressing your torso into the countertop. Then push back to your starting position. Your body should stay straight from toes to head the entire time. The only thing bending should be your arms. Repeat 15 times. Now go put the pasta in that pot.

STIRRING THE SAUCE?
Side-Standing Crunches - Stand facing the counter with your toes a few inches from the cabinet. Place one hand on the counter for stability. Keep your right standing leg straight as you bend and raise your left knee out to the side creating a “hang-man” shape with your legs. Your left thigh should be parallel to the ground and your calf should hang down parallel to your right standing leg. Bend your left elbow as if you are making a choo-choo train motion with your arm. Now bring your left knee up and your left elbow down to meet in the middle. Return your arm back up and your knee back down. Repeat. Remember, this is a “crunch/sit-up” side motion, except that you are standing. Repeat 25 times. Switch sides.

LOADING THE DISHES?
Plies - Stand up straight with your feet two ft. apart. Engage your core and your butt. Bend your knees, allowing your torso to slowly, and with control, push down. Imagine that your shoulder blades are being pinched together without arching your back. As you bend your knees down into the plie and load each dish, focus on lengthening and elongating your torso.

posted by: Your Shape Team