Easy Breezy Ways to Work Fitness into the Everyday

Getting and staying fit should be a daily concern for each of us, like eating and breathing. In part two of a two-part series, we discuss more common household items that could be used to implement a regular, effective exercise program.*

Canned goods: Not just for dinner anymore, the right-sized canned goods can help you tone your biceps (inner upper arm area), and the triceps (rear upper arm area).

Suggestions for use: Looking straight ahead, place the can over top of your head. Now, slowly bend your elbows so that the can touches your back. But not so fast, the key is to keep your elbows as close to your head as possible (without squeezing it).

If seated, make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor, and your back is straight while doing this exercise. If standing, stand with your feet spread slightly apart, but not wider than the width of your body. Bend your knees slightly to avoid pulling a muscle.

So that it's less of a chore, try doing this while watching your favorite TV show.

Broom:  While sweeping outdoors, hold the broom firmly with both hands, broadly sweep from side to side, extending your arms as far out as possible. Your triceps will love you for it.

Plastic container: Don't toss out those old milk containers! They're great for building and toning muscle!

Suggestions for use: Just fill the containers with water, close the lid tightly and work those arms, baby! To lessen injury, begin by filling a quart sized container only half way. Try working one arm at a time, only five lifts at a time. Repeat the process a few times each day. Increase the amount of water in the container by small amounts, eventually filling up an entire gallon size jug!

Rope: Back in the day, an old rope helped to make jumping rope one of the best activities around. It not only helped to build lasting friendships, but it kept us healthy, and even sent a few girls to college on double-dutch jump rope scholarships!

Still a fun but rare activity, jumping rope is one of the healthiest exercises ever-and easily rivals some of the best technology available today. And the best part is you don't need to buy an official jump rope. In fact, any tattered, old clothesline will do!

Suggestion: Just jump. It's not sexy, and sometimes it's not pretty, but this workout will build stamina, tone your legs, work those arms-and help with coordination (which is important if you ever want to dance in public). So close that garage door and get to jumpin'! Remember to get proper walking shoes before beginning this routine.

Ironing: Not a big hit for some (although it's my favorite household chore), you can get a good little workout from simply pressing your laundry.

Try this next time: Instead of placing the ironing board at proper level, lower it about four inches lower than usual, bending your knees periodically while ironing. You may as well tone those legs while you're ironing since you're going to do it anyway.

Another good exercise is marching in place. You can do this while ironing, talking on the phone (be sure not to pant in the listener's ear), doing the dishes, etc. When marching in place while watching TV, swing your arms as if you're taking a nice brisk walk.

So how many of these items do YOU have lying around the home? If you look hard enough, you can probably manage to come up with more useful techniques for starting your exercise program with other common household items.

Why not start today?