10 Ways to Multitask and Workout

I feel like many times, my excuse for not getting a workout in is that I don’t have time, or I have too many other things to do. Well here is a list a 10 ways that you can incorporate a workout into everyday activities like studying, reading, TV watching etc. It’s also important to remember that anything is better than nothing so sure, maybe on your more busy days you don’t go out and run 5 miles and then lift for two hours, but doing 5 minutes of abs is still 5 minutes better than not doing them.

1. Plank and Read

Challenge yourself to finish a page before dropping. Vary up the plank position you are in each time. Before you know it, you’ll have finished a whole chapter and a 10 minute plank workout! 

2. Run/Cardio and Memorize

 Everyone has different classes or things they need to study so what you do with your cardio may vary. For me, I was studying for a geography test and decided to run on the treadmill while matching the countries with their capitals to a map. I would say this method works best with larger visuals so you can read/see from a slight distance. Another way I like to incorporate memorization with cardio is memorizing my vocabulary definitions for a test while biking or on the elliptical. 

There have been many studies done proving the positive correlation between your minds ability to learn with your bodies movement. Here is a link to an article discussing this more in-depth if you want more information on this concept:  
So next time you need to study for a test and also need a study break—hit the gym! You’ll be learning and burning!

3. Wall sits and Microwave

Everyone’s gotta eat. Many times, especially when you have little time to eat, you use a microwave to heat up food fast. Next time you’re heating something up, challenge yourself to hold a wall-sit until your meal is completely cooked and ready to eat. 

4. Reward Yourself with Push-ups

      This method can be used for almost anything. Doing chores? Wash the dishes then do five push-ups, sweep the floor, then do five push-ups, take out the trash then do five push-ups. Doing homework problems? Finish a problem and do five push-ups. Painting your nails? Finish a nail and then do five push-ups. It’s easy to see how this workout could be very versatile and add up quickly. Before you know it, you’ll have done 50 push-ups just in between doing household chores!

      5. Abs and the News

      Everyone does it. We all follow daily happenings either by watching the news, reading the paper, or catching up through our social networks. Next time, use that time more efficiently by holding some abs. Hold a v-sit while reading the paper, do some leg lifts while checking twitter, or throw in some bicycles during the news commercials. 

       6.  Chair Dips and Your Desk

       If you don’t have a job where you sit at a desk, this could be done while you’re at the library or literally anywhere/anytime you are sitting in a chair. Just stretch your feet out in front of you, keeping your elbows tucked in close and abs tight, dip down to work those triceps!  

  

      7. Take the Stairs

      This one is pretty self-explanatory, but so often neglected. TAKE THE STAIRS! So what you have class on the third floor? Challenge accepted. Get your legs burning and heart pumping by just taking the stairs to your destination. 

      8. Grocery shop without a cart

      This is probably not possible when shopping for a family or stocking your cupboard up for the apocalypse, but if you are just going on a quick run to the grocery store to pick up the necessities—skip the cart. Grab a basket or two and fill them up. While you’re walking down the aisles feel free to curl those bad boys up to give your biceps a little extra attention. Either way, just carrying those baskets is burning more calories than pushing a cart. Remember to keep your abs clenched tight as well.

      9. Squats and Dental Hygiene

            Dental hygiene is important. Everyone wants a fresh pearly white smile. You could spend up to 10 minutes a day just rinsing with mouthwash, flossing and brushing both morning and night! Why not do some squats during that time? Aim for a number like, 30 squats before you spit out your mouthwash or 50 before you quit brushing.

      10. Yoga before Bed

       So many people have trouble falling asleep these days, especially when your sleep schedule is not very routine. Taking time before bed to stretch and wind down properly can really help you get a solid nights rest. I read this article on Fitness Magazine’s website and gave it a try. I loved it and hopefully you will too!