6 Exercises You Can Do In the Kitchen

When I’m busy, I know that my workout can feel like it’s the unnecessary item on my to-do list that can be skipped. But one thing that can’t be skipped? Meals. I could set my watch by my toddler’s grumbling tummy, so mealtimes are non-negotiable. And because toddlers aren’t known for being the fastest eaters on the planet, the kitchen is the perfect place to fit in these moves from Sara Haley, Reebok Global Fitness Trainer.

Nuke the Plank

Looking to nuke some leftovers or defrost some dinner meat?  The next time you go to heat something up, hold a plank and work your core. Start with a 30-second plank while the timer counts down and gradually add on time as you get stronger. Now you can devour your dinner guilt-free!

Stove Squats

Cooking up a casserole? Strengthen your butt and legs by lowering into a squat as you put your dish in the stove. Every time you check in to make sure your dish isn’t burning, hold another squat until you’re burning instead. Keep your chest lifted so you can see into the stove (and keep your lower back safe), and remember to put on those oven mitts!

Veggie Speed Break

Can you shuffle your legs as quickly as you chop your vegetables? Every time you finish dicing, slicing and chopping your veggies, get your heart rate up and give your hands a break with this speed break. For this one you’ll need to put the knife down and step away from the counter. Split your legs with one foot in front of the other, and do a boxer shuffle so that you are alternating your legs. At the same time, shake your hands out like you’re trying to shake off water. Now you can go back to chopping those veggies with refreshed hands and feet!

Counter Push-ups

Squeeze in a few push-ups after you’re done washing dishes and sculpt your chest and triceps! Begin by putting your hands on the counter (make sure the surface is dry!) and walking your feet away from the counter. Lower yourself into a push-up, hold for two counts and then slowly push away. The farther you step away from the counter, the harder it’s going to be. Do another set of push-ups after you’re done drying the dishes—and another set while your food is cooking!

Blender Leg Lift

Sculpt your butt and legs while you’re making a delicious shake or smoothie. Hold the top of the blender with one hand, hold the counter with the other and balance on one leg with the opposite leg lifted to a 90-degree angle. Pulse the leg up to the ceiling. Keep your chest close to the counter so your back stays out of it, your butt stabilizes the movement and your leg does the work. Make sure to take the time to make one for a friend as well, so you can get both legs in!

Lunge Clean-up

Don’t cry over spilled milk, sweat over it instead! If you’ve got a spill on the floor, get off your knees and work your legs by going into a lunge position. Hold until you’re done wiping the mess away.

Have some extra time while your food is in the oven? Run these exercise as a circuit. Or, if you can’t fit that in, try to squeeze in a couple with each meal. By the end of the day, you’ll have worked your whole bod!

Ever try to squeeze in exercise when you’re slaving over a hot stove? —Erin