Should I relax or exercise in the evening? Do both! It’s been a long day, and your favorite TV show is about to start. What do you like to watch on TV? Are you a fan of sitcoms? Sports? Or maybe you enjoy viewing a reality show with some juicy content. But you also know that it’s very important for you to stay physically active. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, keep blood sugars in check and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
You finished your healthy dinner and cleaned up the kitchen before your program is about to begin. Here are a few tips to stay phyically active and enjoy your shows at the same time*:
Put a “step” in front of the TV
Lace up your sneakers and stretch out your legs for approximately five minutes. Then start to walk up and down the step. Try to do 20 minutes leading with the right foot and then do another 20 steps with the left. Come off the step and march in place for 5 minutes. Bring your knees up high to burn even more calories. Want to tone your arms at the same time? Hold five pound weights in each hand while you walk up and down the step.
Sit on an exercise ball
Sit on an exercise ball while you watch TV. Start by moving your feet back and forth from heel to toe. Soon you’ll feel a great stretch. Sit-up straight and you’ll start to streghten your tummy muscles. There are so many exercises that you can do on the exercise ball.
Lay a mat on the floor or carpet
Use a comfortable exercise mat. You can do sit-ups or crunches (if medically appropriate) or leg-lifts!
Stretch and breathe
Stretch out your legs, arms and back while you’re watching TV. You’ll start to relax as the day winds down.
Finally…
Do you race to the refrigerator every time there is a commercial break? Try to speed up your exercise march or leg lifts during commercials instead. Make sure that you keep a nice cold glass of water with some lemon or cucumber near by as a refreshment. If you planned to have a snack in the evening, keep some chilled cut-up fruit in the refrigerator. Veggies and hummus or Greek yogurt and slivered almonds is another fun snack to have after dinner. Remember, don’t eat if you’re not hungry!
If you have diabetes, always check your blood sugar before, during and after your work out. Although most people with diabetes experience a drop in blood sugar after working out, some people notice an elevation in blood sugar afterwards. Blood sugars can change up to 24 hours after a workout. So enjoy your TV shows and stay active at the same time. Please share some of your thoughts and exercise tips with us.
* Please make an appointment with your doctor before starting any exercise program.