Trying to find enough time in the day to work, take care of your health, and do what you enjoy can be a tall order in today’s hectic, fast-paced world. When you can squeeze in some free time, you may prefer to cozy up with a good book instead of hitting the gym. If you’re feeling a little guilty for slacking on your workout routine, know that there’s a multitude of ways you can strengthen your muscles while getting lost in a book. Here are 10 of the best exercises you can do without having to sacrifice your reading time:
10. Chair Squats
Instead of sitting down right away, stand in front of your favorite chair and squat until you almost reach the seat. Hold for 5-10 seconds, and then stand back up to repeat the routine.
9. Pushups
This one may work better with an eBook since you won’t have to worry about the book closing shut when you aren’t holding it open. Simply put the book or eReader on the floor in front of you and do sets of pushups as you read.
8. Planks
While keeping your back flat and stomach tight, hold the plank pose for as long as you can. Try to see how many pages you can finish during this pose!
7. Lunges
Lunge forward, making sure the front leg is bent at a 90° angle. Hold the pose as you read a page of your book, and then alternate with the other leg.
6. Spinning
Spinning on a stationary bike is one of the best ways to tone your lower body while leaving your upper body largely unaffected and stable enough to hold a book.
5. Leg Raises
Lay down flat on your back, lift your legs a few inches off the ground, and alternate raising and lowering each leg until you really start to feel the burn.
4. Yoga Poses
By slightly modifying a few basic yoga poses, such as the Lotus Pose, Child’s Pose, and the Supine Twist, you can prevent unpleasant cramps or aches from sitting in one reading position for too long.
3. Seated Russian Twists
While sitting up tall in your chair, lift your feet about an inch off the ground. Clench your hands into fists, tighten your core, and bring your hands from one side of your legs to the other for a great ab workout.
2. Walking
If you’re new to working out, simply walking on a treadmill on an incline for 15 minutes a day while reading can help you build up your confidence and endurance.
1. Wall Sits
Lean your back against a wall and slide down until your legs are at a 90° angle. Hold your book in front of you and try to hold the pose long enough to finish 2 pages!
If you need more reading material for your next exercise session, check out JustKindleBooks for quick access to thousands of Kindle titles available for free download!