Drop the Remote and Get Moving

Couch potato: a person who spends large quantities of time lying on the couch instead of being physically active.

Is this you? If so, you might as well be considered one of the worst vegetables out there. By spending multiple hours being inactive, you’re not just putting a dent in the couch cushion—you are putting a dent in your life.

True, there are plenty of exercises that you can do in your seat, but the point of this article is to show you that you need more than just couch exercises to improve your quality of life and avoid obesity. In order to live healthy, truly healthy, you must get up off the couch and exercise more than your remote-holding arm!

Think of the couch as a reward, not a way of life. Treat yourself to a TV show after you workout. All it takes is 30 minutes of your day. After all, shouldn’t your health be more important? There are hundreds of TV shows out there, but you only get one body and one life. Why not take care of yourself?

Below are some basic exercises that can help you avoid obesity:

Basic Exercises to Get Motivated

  • Chair crunches. Sit in a sturdy chair. Grip the sides and slowly bring both knees as close to your chest as possible. Lower your legs without touching the floor. Keep your back straight and do as many reps as you can handle.
  • Arm curls. Grab a dumbbell and place it in your right hand. Let that arm dangle between your legs and brace yourself with your free hand. Slowly lift the dumbbell toward your shoulder, hold, and then lower it to the starting position. Try 8 to 10 sets and then alternate arms.
  • Thigh lifts. This one requires you to get on the floor. Lie on your side, supporting your head with your hand. Align your legs, one on top of the other and bend your knees toward your chest. Lift your top leg, keeping it bent, and then lower. Again, try 8 to 10 sets and then roll over to the other side.

OK, just because you now have exercises that can be done in your living room, do not think that your activity should end there. As your body adjusts to consistent movement, expand your horizons to avoid obesity. Put on those tennis shoes and go for a walk or light jog. Be creative—exercise should be fun.

Health Benefits of Staying Active

  • Less cardiac decline. People who exercise increase the pumping capacity of their heart then those that don’t exercise.
  • Stabilizes blood pressure. By exercising, you will decrease your chance of heart attack or stroke due to high blood pressure.
  • Stronger muscles. With exercise, blood flow increases, therefore allowing your muscles to absorb more oxygen and nutrients, making them stronger.
  • Lose weight. Exercise will help you burn more calories, fat and help you shrink in inches.
  • More energy. Exercising gives better oxygen flow to your muscles, causing you to feel more energized throughout the day.

You will not reap all these benefits by couch exercises alone. These benefits come from continuous physical activity. In order to be healthy and to avoid obesity, you have to work for it.

Think about how great it will feel to lie on the couch after being good to your body. Relaxing is great, but sometimes it’s more enjoyable when you know you’ve earned it. Remember, the more active you are, the more you can feel healthy avoid obesity.


Listen To What Our Personal Training Clients Say!

Couch Potato Couch Potato

Check out what some of our Clients have to say ABOUT OUR personal trainers:

"My trainer is great. It's obvious she knows what she's doing. She's always on time and very well prepared. She's a dream trainer. She knows how to
push me but is great about praising me when I make strides."

JillPersonal Trainer Client

"My trainer is a very lovely girl and my workouts are great!!! I have lost a whole size after 17 sessions that certainly makes me very happy. She's doing a fine job."

PatPersonal Trainer Client

"My trainer is systematically and good-humoredly kicking my formerly lazy butt at least twice a week, depending on my schedule. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the work I do with her has
allowed me to keep working (I'm a nurse) without injury. Hooray"

Meg Personal Trainer Client

Couch Potato

Read what our personal training clients have to say.

"My trainer is always here on time, willing to be flexible when needed around conflicts, and ready to go with the program. She has the right mix of
what I think of as parenting skills that someone in her position needs - disciplinarian and encourager."

RubyPersonal Trainer Client

"The outside accountability of knowing the doorbell
is going to ring at 6 a.m. - no matter HOW exhausted I am - is exactly
what I need."

VictoriaPersonal Trainer Client