The world's easiest (and cheapest) workout
My workout history is a colorful one: There was the marathon I ran in Alaska in '99, the "Afterburn Class" years in the early '00s (don't ask, but trust me, it hurt) and then there's today, when family, work, and life take priority over hours spent at the gym, and I just feel lucky when I can fit in a 25-minute power walk or a few bicep curls on a Sunday morning. Turns out, I don't need to devote hours to exercise to stay healthy and fit.
In fact, I'm a full 10 pounds lighter than I was the day I crossed the finish line of that marathon! What pros know (and wish you did too): It's the little stuff you do all day long that adds up to big results. Here are a few of my favorite ways to fit in fitness courtesy of top trainers-without having to hit the showers when I'm done.
Keep a BOSU in the family room. I love this half-dome squishy balance gadget. It doesn't take up much room, and its unstable surface is a great way to work your core during commercials breaks. Just drop and do 40 quick crunches rather than going to the kitchen for a cookie. Trainer: Chris Freytag. (Here are a few easy ways to stay motivated for slimming down.)
Clean the floor by foot. Instead of using a mop, try stepping on a damp towel with your right foot; use your left foot to dry with a second towel. For the final shine, use two more clean towels and "skate" around to polish the floor. It's a terrific lower body workout that can actually get your heart rate up while it targets your hips, butt, and thighs. Trainer: Patricia Moreno. (Easy ways to kick-start your metabolism.)
Slip a set of wrist weights around the handle of your vacuum cleaner. The added weight ups resistance, so 20 minutes of vacuuming is practically a light strength-training workout. Trainer: Lynn Anderson. (Make sure you check out The Flat Belly Diet jumpstart.)
Leave a pair of dumbbells by your bedroom door and grab them on your way out. Hold them by your sides while you do walking lunges down the hall. When you're done, do a quick set of bicep curls and overhead lifts; leave them there and pick up the next time and repeat while you walk back toward your bedroom. Trainer: Stella Sandoval. (Tips on how to trick yourself thin.)
Use your stairs! They're the best exercise equipment already in your house! Keep them free of clutter and try going up two at a time, or one at a time as fast as you can. Or go up backward to boost balance and coordination (just hold onto the railing for safety). Trainer: Minna Lessig. (Take this quiz to find out which exercise is best for you.)
More Ways To Get Healthy:
Top 10 Belly-Flattening Foods
Get a Better Night's Rest Starting Today
Lose the Last 10 Stubborn Pounds!
[photo credit: Getty Images]
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Want more from Liz? Check out Flat Belly Diet to slim your tummy
