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Working out is hard. Sitting down is easier. Learn the top five easy ways to work out at your desk in class or while doing homework, without making the trek to Rolf’s or the Rock.
1) Fart-preventer
[Ab squeeze]
Simply take a deep breath and tighten the abdominal muscles, bringing them in towards the spine as you exhale. Stay squeezed for 5-10 seconds and release. Repeat for 12-15 reps. Get fab abs before you head home for the winter. Also great distraction if you’re sitting through a boring lecture. Perfect for holding in a fart.
Sit tall and lift your heels off of the until you are on the balls of your feet. Repeat 20-30 times with both legs. Then complete one set of 15 repetitions on one side, and then the other. This strengthens calf muscles and gets the blood to your heels. Great for keeping you(r feet) from falling asleep.
3) Handshake-for-one
[Bicep toner]
Sitting up, keep feet flat on the floor, clasp your hands together as if giving yourself a handshake (with one hand’s thumb pointing to the floor and the other pointing to the ceiling). Then pull! Resist the motion of both arms (you should definitely feel this in those biceps). Hold for 10 seconds or more, release and repeat. Can also be done if you have no friends to shake hands with.
4) Kick-the-person-in-front-of-you
[Thigh strengthener]
Sit tall with your back away from the back of the chair. Pull the abs in and up and straighten one leg, thigh muscles gripping the bones. Hold for a 10 count and slowly release. For a good core workout, stabilize the pelvis with the abs, lift both legs and hold. To build more strength, you can do the two-legged version using your arms to support the body. Could be a great awkward conversation starter if someone gives you weird looks.
5) Sitting-marching-band
[Leg raises]
Squeeze your thigh and lift your leg up and down in a slow, controlled manner 15-20 times, complete 15-20 quick pulses of very small movement. Follow that with a 15-20 second hold at the top. Ladies, this is a great one for the butt! Caution: you may kick the chair (or student) sitting in front of you, again. Not that we know from experience...