Exercises you can do at home while binge-watching on Netflix

It’s wildly popular, especially in these days of lockdowns and self quarantining, to stay at home and binge-watch Netflix movies and television series.  However, you are in danger of turning into a couch potato and start growing roots downward.

You need to find a way to stay active, even as the Netflix logo keeps bouncing across your screen. The question is how? Well, there are a number of physical poses and activities that burn calories that you can engage yourself with.

Sphinx Pose

This is a great exercise since you can do it while resting on the couch with a laptop in front of you.  Rest on your stomach with elbows under shoulders as you press your hands into the couch. Pull back as you move your collarbone forward. This position opens the chest and rests the hip and groin areas.

Spine and Groin Release

You may be getting sleepy but you don’t have to sacrifice good posture.  Plus, this pose is great for the lower back area. Lie on the couch with your stomach down as you allow one leg to straddle over the side. This stretches the lower back and releases any tension in the lower portion of the body.

Supported Staff

For this one, sit on the floor by the couch with your posterior and spine against it. Sit tall and lean into the couch. Sitting in such a manner helps train the spine.  If your back is strong and your spine is properly aligned, you shouldn’t need any support on your back when sitting up.  It’s a lot better than slouching or resting in a position that contorts your body.

Exercise Bike

Duh! The exercise bike is one of the oldest, easiest, and most effective ways to exercise indoors.  Purchase a foldable model that can easily be stored in a corner, in the closet, or under the bed.  Set your bike beside a kitchen table or near your television in the living room.  Make it fun and see if you can ride through one episode?  What about two? What about a whole season, huh? Be sure to sample the bike before purchase; you don’t want one that makes too much noise, you really want to hear all the action and dialogue from your wireless speaker.

Plank Pause

Periodically pause the episode to do a plank.  A plank works for several muscle groups but specifically targets the abdominal region.  Rest on your elbows and forearms while keeping your back straight and getting up on your toes.  See if you can hold the position for a minute at a time.  If not, target a smaller number of seconds and work up to a longer time.  See if you can pause and plank twice per episode.  To add inspiration, get a friend or family member involved and keep track of who is getting better at ‘pausing and planking.’

Keep It Light And Fun

“Netflixing” hasn’t been this much fun since, well there was Netflix to begin with. Burn those calories as you enjoy your favorite shows. Who knows, you might just be the pioneers of a new movement!