When the choice is between urgent work and making time for exercise, we all know which one wins...every single time. Even as we look at the thickening midriff in despair, desperately wishing we could make the time to work out, sometimes, work demands and long hours ensure that we don't knock at the gym's doors for weeks and months at a stretch. Even so, there are ways to make the most of whatever little you've got. Here are 3 ab exercises you can literally do while walking, talking and sitting in your chair. Because who doesn't want a toned tummy?
While walking
This one is so simple, you can literally do it anywhere, while wearing anything and without anyone even noticing. While you're walking, inside the elevator, or even while attending a phone call, suck in your tummy and pull your hipbones towards your torso. Hold the posture for about a minute and repeat as many times as you can, in reps of 10. Not only will this flatten out your tummy and tighten your abs, it will also get you in the habit of maintaining a better posture as you go about your day. Sucking in your belly and pulling up your hipbones will automatically make you hold your shoulders and torso erect. Another great way to work out your abs while walking is by raising your knees a few inches higher while walking - it will make your abs tauten.
At your desk
If you have a private office or cubicle, head over to a fitness equipment store right away and get yourself a stability ball. Sitting on rigid office chairs for long stretches of time invariably makes us slouch, ruining the posture and paving the way for back issues. An exercise ball will force your spine and shoulders into a more balanced, erect posture while working out your core. The result? A more toned tummy, while reducing your chances of developing pack pain or posture-related issues. Plus, a stability ball will keep your body moving and stretching - something most of us forget to do while focussing on work. And more movement means more calories burned, which means you're literally losing weight while you're working. Worried about productivity? This study shows that when students used exercise balls instead of regular chairs in classroom, their focus and concentration actually improved.
While taking a phone call
You know how sometimes while taking a phone call you want to lift that heavy paper weight and throw it at the person on the other side of the call? Obviously, you can't do that. But you can make use of this frustration to let off some steam and come away with tighter abs in the process. Pick up a (filled) bottle of water - or if you can stow away a dumbbell under your desk, that would be perfect - while you're on the call. Hold your body still, moving only the arm and shoulder you're lifting with. Using just one arm to lift a weight will force your body to instinctively tighten the buttocks and abs to balance itself. Raise the arm over your head and hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds. Repeat for as long as you can hold your body still.
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