As those working and raising a family know well, it can be hard to find time in your busy day to get to the gym and fit in a workout. Cleaning your house can be such a bore too, but it has to be done. So why not kill two birds with one stone and exercise while cleaning?

If you find you are tight on time, exercising during the ad break of your favourite TV programme is a great way to increase fitness. You still get to watch the TV and you tone up at the same time – talk about multi-tasking.

Here are some great ways you can get more out of doing your chores:

  • Squats: Instead of bending over to load and unload the dishwasher, do squats instead. Remember to keep your back straight and your knees bent – otherwise you’ll hurt yourself.
  • Stairs: Vacuuming the stairs can be tiring, but moving up and down each step can really increase the muscle strength in your legs and tone those niggly areas.
  • Ad Break: Make the most of the annoying commercial breaks by doing a little routine during each ad break. The first break may consist of 10 star jumps and 10 squats, then change it up with jogging on the spot until the next ad break is over.
  • Stability: Get off the couch and onto a stability ball. Sitting on a stability ball while watching TV causes your body to work harder to stay in position. It will also keep your body moving, meaning you’ll burn a few more calories than otherwise. Now how easy does that sound?
  • Lift weights while you watch: If you don’t have weights don’t worry, fill up a one-litre bottle with water (or to increase intensity use a two-litre bottle). Slowly lift as you watch your favourite show, being careful not to strain yourself too much. Space out your weightlifting sessions – every second day is fine.
  • Evelyn’s top tip

    Always keep a bottle of water next to you while you watch TV. Keeping hydrated at all times can go a long way in keeping off that extra weight. Add lemon juice to taste if desired.

    If snacking, choose healthy options, such as plain popcorn or fresh fruit, but avoid eating dinner in front of the TV – more than likely you’ll pay less attention to what you’re eating and consume more than you need.