Cardio Workouts While Watching TV

By: Allan Wilson

If your goal is to lose weight, you need to add some cardio to your TV watching. This next set of exercises will get your heart pumping.

Jog In Place

Jogging in place is about as simple as it gets. Make sure you have supportive shoes, and water nearby. If you're a beginner, start with jogging for 2 or 3 minutes, and increase it gradually each week.

Jump Rope

Go raid a toy box and visit a childhood favorite! Jumping rope is not only a great cardio exercise, but it's very fun. If you haven't done it in a while, it'll take some time to master, but once you do, you won't be able to stop.

Jumping Jacks

Another classic, jumping jacks are a great way to get your heart pumping. It may take a while to get your rhythm going, but that's okay. Start with 5 to 10 a day and work up from there.

Cross Leg Lifts

This exercise is much like marching in place, with a twist. Stand with your arms in front of you, elbows bent. Then, slowly at first, bring your right leg up while twisting your waist so that your left elbow touches your right knee. Alternate, and as you get the hang of it, pick up your speed.

Dance

Nothing good on TV? Turn it to your favorite music channel and dance! Not only is dancing a great way to get a cardio workout, but it does wonders for the soul.

Home fitness equipment is very popular these days. These next tips will list 4 popular exercise machines, and what areas they target.

Treadmills

Treadmills are very popular because of they're so easy to use. Most people know how to walk or run, and a treadmill is a great way to bring this exercise indoors; and maybe in front of the TV. Treadmills target your legs while giving you a great cardio workout.

Stair Steppers

Stair steppers simulate the exercise of walking up stairs. This gives your lower body a great workout, while getting your heart pumping.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary and recumbent bikes are also popular fitness machines. All of them work your legs, and there are some that work your arms as well.

Rowers

Rowing machines simulate the exercise of rowing a boat. They're great, because they work the arms, abs and back. In fact, if used regularly, rowers can provide a great whole body workout.

This last set of tips will give you some final ideas and pointers to think about as you start your exercise routine.

Commercials

If you're still overwhelmed at the aspect of exercising during your favorite TV show, try exercising just during commercials. Most shows have 3 or 4 commercials, so pick 3 or 4 exercises and do one per commercial break.

Music Channels

We already mentioned music channels. You can go a bit further, and keep your favorite music channel on while cleaning or doing other activities. Upbeat music will undoubtedly get you dancing!

Stability Ball

A stability ball is an oversized inflated ball that's sturdy enough to sit on. You can get them at any fitness store. Instead of sitting on the couch to do the exercises in this ebook, try sitting on a stability ball to do them. It will add an edge to the exercises, and help with your balance.

Stop if it Hurts

Exercising isn't supposed to hurt. It's very important that with any exercise, if it's hurting, stop immediately. You could be hurting your body more than you know. If the pain persists, go see your doctor.

Breathe

With all exercises, don't forget to breathe. Holding your breath makes it harder to exercise, and could even cause injury.

Relax

As you're exercising one part of your body, don't forget to keep the other parts of your body. For instance, when you're doing sit ups, make sure to keep your neck and shoulders relaxed.

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