Couch potato is a term that is used to refer to a person who just sits in the couch all day, watching TV, or playing computer games and nothing else. Although this may sound like an enjoyable thing to do, you are actually setting yourself up for many health problems. Fortunately, fitness experts have come up with some exercises that even couch potatoes can squeeze in their daily binge watching habit to burn some calories. These exercises are best done during commercial breaks to get your heart pumping and your fats burning.
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- Couch pushups. Kneel on the floor facing the couch. You should be at least 2 feet away from the couch. Cross your ankles then place your hands on the edge of the cushion with your hands about shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows to bring your chest close to the cushion. Hold this pose for a few seconds then push yourself back up.
- Walking. Do not underestimate the power of walking especially when you’re a couch potato. Walking can help get your heart rate up which in turn pushes your body to burn those excess fats you’ve accumulated over time. You can actually start walking around the house during commercial breaks and add some brisk walking for 30 seconds or so to break the monotony of walking.
- Side crunches. Another couch potato exercise that you should be doing is the side crunches. Lie down on the sofa on your left side with your knees bent and your legs together. Place your right hand behind your head then wrap your left arm across the waist. Engage your oblique muscles on your right side to lift your shoulder off the couch. This will bring your rib cage close to your hip. Hold this pose for a few seconds before lowering yourself back down. Repeat this 10 to 12 times before switching to the other side.
- Armchair dips. Even a couch potato can actually train their arms with this exercise. Start by sitting on the edge of your chair with your hands gripping the underside of the couch or chair. Move your feet so that your butt will be hanging off the chair. Your knees should be bent at 90 degrees. Bend your elbows to lower your butt towards the ground but not touching the floor. Contract your triceps to bring yourself back up by extending your elbows. Make sure that you engage your core too to help tone your midsection.
- Scissors. Don’t forget to work your inner and outer thighs to have shapely legs while you are sitting on your couch. To do this, lie on your back on your couch with your hands placed under your butt with palms facing downward. Raise your legs up in the air with your knees slightly bend and feet flexed. Spread your legs slowly and as far as you can without causing discomfort. Hold the pose for a few seconds then bring your legs back together while resisting the movement. Repeat this 10 to 12 times.
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