Author: Christa Sutton

Often there is not much time left for an extensive workout in our hectic everyday life. However, minor exercises can easily be incorporated into the daily routine and make for a terrific physical feeling.

For instance, standing still at the bathroom sink in the mornings? You must be joking! Those few minutes are ideal for a little power-exercise. Swing the straight leg alternately forwards and backwards past the standing leg – 3 x 10 repetitions for each leg brings thighs and waist into peak form in a jiffy.

4 min. at breakfast: Invisible, but nevertheless important for the personal well-being – the pelvic floor musculature. Many do not know that it can be trained. And this very easily whilst sitting down. Sit upright on the edge of a chair and pull the perineal muscle inwardly to the bellybutton. Keep the tension for ca. 20 seconds, repeat 10 times.

2 min. early morning exercise: Just a few exercises immediately after getting up jump-start the metabolism for the entire day. Place your hands aback on the edge of the bed, or a chair, lower the buttocks close to the floor and slowly push upwards again – 2 x 10 repetitions with a short break.

Exercises at Noon

4 min. at your desk: Those who sit a lot run the risk of an ‘office pouch’. This quick intermittent exercise assists: Sit upright, prop up the arms on the desk (or for the advanced person on the thighs) and lift the bent knees off the floor. Keep the legs in the air for 10 seconds, repeat 6 times.

4 min. during lunch break: For flexibility, the spine needs to be stretched regularly. Sit on a chair and look straight ahead. Then twist alternately left and right so that you can grab the back of the chair with both hands and look to the back. Hold for approximately 15 seconds each time and repeat 10 times. This caters for a slim waistline.

90 sec. at the supermarket: Shopping or exercising? Why not combine both. Whilst pushing the shopping trolley both arm- and chest muscles can easily be trained. Place hands against the outside of the handle and then push apart against the side parts. Keep the tension for 20 seconds, loosen, repeat 3 times.

Exercises in the Evening

2 min. on the couch: Little exercises can easily be incorporated on the couch at night. Lay on your back, pull one leg to your chest, curl your back, and slowly lift and lower the other leg stretched. Already 2 x 30 repetitions a day with each leg conjures a flat tummy in no time.

2 min. when cooking: No need to forego some exercise here and there in the kitchen. Hold on to a chair or workbench, put your weight on one straight leg and slowly raise the other leg backwards. 2 x 20 repetitions on each side, nothing stands in the way for taut buttocks.

2 min. before going to bed: You should not boost your pulse shortly before going to bed. But relaxing yoga exercises also keep the body fit. Lay on your back and place your legs at a 90-degree angle against the wall. This is an excellent stretch and stimulates the lymphatic flow.