5 Easy Exercises I Do While Binge-Watching Netflix - My Lazy Gains

Sinking into the couch with my favorite Netflix show is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day. With so many options, it's easy to lose track of time while enjoying high-stakes dramas and thrilling comedies. However, I often find myself feeling a bit guilty about spending hours just sitting.

To combat this, I've developed a simple routine of exercises that I can do right from my couch. These exercises keep me active while enhancing my viewing experience. Here are five easy exercises I incorporate into my binge-watching sessions.

1. Leg Raises

One super simple exercise you can do while lounging on the couch is leg raises. Just lie back, prop your legs up onto the couch, and lift them up and down. This move is not only easy to do, but it also strengthens your core and legs, helping to burn a few calories—even while watching those intense cliffhangers.

You can perform this exercise during the show's opening credits or during particularly slow dialogue scenes. It’s a great way to get in a quick workout. One study found that even small bursts of activity can help improve your mood and energy levels. With just a few minutes of leg raises, I can feel reinvigorated all while focusing om the next episode.

2. Couch Squats

Couch squats are another fantastic exercise. To perform them, stand up from the couch with your feet hip-width apart. Lower your body as if you are about to sit down, but stop just above the cushion and then push back up. This exercise works your thighs and glutes, enhancing strength in those areas.

I love to challenge myself to complete a set of 10 squats during each episode's credits or commercial breaks. Not only does it turn my watching time into something productive, but it also keeps my heart rate up, which is essential for overall fitness.

3. Seated Side Leg Raising

Feeling adventurous? Seated side leg lifts might be the exercise for you. While sitting on the couch, extend one leg out to the side and lift it up and down. This targets the outer thighs while helping you engage your core.

I often do this during slow moments or introspective scenes in a show. It's surprising how quickly I can complete a set of 15 to 20 reps without losing focus on the plot. This exercise not only keeps my legs toned, but also actively contributes to better core stability.

4. Wall Push-Ups

For those wanting a challenge, wall push-ups are a fantastic upper-body exercise while watching TV. Stand a few feet from the wall, place your hands on it, and perform push-ups while keeping one eye on the action unfolding on the screen.

This exercise requires hardly any space and offers great benefits for your arms and chest. Even doing just 10 to 15 push-ups can make a difference over time, helping maintain muscle strength.

5. Seated Torso Twists

Lastly, seated torso twists are an excellent way to incorporate gentle stretching and mobility work during your show. While seated on the couch, twist your upper body side to side to engage your core and relieve tension in your back. You can also use this exercise as a cool down standing up as an active strech.

This simple stretch not only increases flexibility but also keeps me alert during the boring moments of a show. It’s a healthy way to refresh your body, especially after sitting for an extended time.

With these exercises, I manage to stay active and enjoy my favorite shows without feeling the heaviness of long periods of inactivity. It's a win-win situation; I can binge-watch while also prioritizing my health!

Keep Active While Enjoying Your Shows

Now that I've shared my five go-to exercises for binge-watching Netflix, I hope you feel inspired to get moving too! They don’t require any fancy equipment, and you can easily do them from the comfort of your couch. Plus, you will be surprised at how seamlessly these exercises can fit into your viewing experience.

So next time you settle down for a long Netflix marathon, remember to keep moving! Your body will appreciate it, and you might even find that staying active adds a new level of enjoyment to your shows. Happy watching—and moving!