Are you a busy mom who wants to get fit, but don’t have the time to try popular fitness programs like Fitwall and Bokwa? No sweat! Neflix has you covered with five realistic fitness tips for busy parents, written exclusively by celebrity fitness expert, Harley Pasternak. Never heard of Harley? He is a personal trainer, motivational speaker, author and television host who is well known for his fabulous books The Body Reset Diet
According to research, watching entertainment, like Netflix, while working out makes people more likely to exercise for longer periods of time and stick with their fitness regimen. I believe it! Personally, as a busy mom to a very active 6 year old and a demanding teen, I do not always have the time for exercise and find it difficult to get motivated to learn new popular fitness programs. However, if I can use the excuse to get a little “me time” entertainment I will definitely jump on the treadmill if I know I can watch my favorite show or movie. My kids (including hubby) know not to interrupt me when I am working out, unless it is an emergency like someone is bleeding or needs medical attention. So, it is the perfect time for me to escape for 45 minutes and do something purely selfish and good for myself!
Are you ready to firm that sagging butt into shape? Here are the five tips from Harley Pasternak to get and keep you active!
Harley Pasternak’s Fitness Tips for Busy Parents
1. Resist: Even the busiest mom or dad can carve out at least 5 minutes to do some resistance “sculpting” exercise. Pick one exercise a day (i.e. lunge, squats, superman) and do 3-4 sets of 20 reps. Over time, add some weight and increase the sets.
2. Walk: You shouldn’t stop moving from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed. Use an activity monitor like a Fitbit to make sure you walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Make your phone calls as you walk around the block, park your car a little further away, take the stairs, and walk to your favorite cafe in the morning (instead of brewing your own).
3. Blend: Soups and smoothies are the perfect “on the go” meals that take only seconds to prepare. They’re a great way to get all your veggies, fruits, healthy fats and lean protein in one meal.
4. Be Entertained… But Not on the Couch: I tell all my busy parents to make sure they’re moving while watching their favorite show. Whether it be “Breaking Bad” or “House of Cards,” stream your show to your phone or tablet with Netflix and you may end up working out longer and harder!
5. Sleep: One of the most common complaints I get from parents is they are exhausted! It’s so important to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Parents — make sure there is no light at all in your bedroom. That means no cell phones flickering, televisions blaring or alarm clocks flashing. Studies show even the smallest amount of light can disturb your sleep patterns. Other sleep tips include avoiding caffeine after noon, wearing an eye mask and avoiding surfing the web before you fall asleep.
Netflix Exercise Playlist
Need a bit more fitness inspiration to get you moving? Take a peek at this list of shows on Netflix to watch while you walk.
What is your favorite show or movie to watch while working out?
i like watching sports when i workout. it keeps me motivated.
Netflix + Working out = Gosh I love 2014 and technology
I need to make sure I cut off the internet way before I go to bed. I know that will help me get to sleep.
I love this post and by not sitting down during the day I have lost ten pounds and have kept it off which isn’t hard to do with three toddlers.
I will check him out on netflix tomorrow. He is speaking my language. I am exhausted, and I feel like I dont have time for anything!!