Exercises for Couch Potatoes - Steven & Chris on CBC

Season 4 - Episode 96

(Segment starts at 18:00)

Fitness expert Sarah Robichaud says that when it comes to working out, it's time to LOSE THE EXCUSES! Here are her tips for getting off the couch and into shape.

EXCUSE 1 - I JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME! BETWEEN WORK, HOME AND BEING A MOM, I'M SWAMPED!

Sarah says: Many of us are constantly on the go with our children from play dates to soccer practice. Why not workout with your kids in a way that is fun and gets the whole family in shape? Think leap frog, tag and wheelbarrow races. Sports. Wii. When you're at the park or on the sidelines, try doing some tricep dips and lunges. Or try some calf rises and glute squeezes while you watch your kids' hockey game.

Here are two simple moves that are easy to incorporate into an already busy day:

Shopping bag curl

Laundry basket lift

EXCUSE 2 - I JUST CAN'T GET MOTIVATED TO HIT THE GYM!

Sarah says: To keep motivated, write down the pros of working out - it boosts your mood, energizes you, reduces your risk of illness and makes you look and feel great. Find a workout buddy, play your favourite music, keep switching up your program. Find things you like to do that get you moving.

Remember that exercise can happen without being at the gym. Joining a gym can be inconvenient and expensive, but the good news is you can use what you have laying around your home and never need to step foot in a gym.

Detergent bottle rows

Towel sliders

EXCUSE 3 - I'M JUST TOO TIRED BY THE END OF THE DAY.

Sarah says: The cure for fatigue is to get your heart pumping! Exercise invigorates you in the first five minutes! Once you start moving you will feel instantly more energized. Try these moves during commercial breaks!

Boxer punches

Tricep dips