Think you don't have time to get fit? Think again! A kitchen workout — something you can squeeze in while you finish making dinner — is a great way to get those muscles toned while also making a meal for your family. Big win!
Squats while you saute? Yes, please! Calf raises while you chop? You can do it!
Even better: those little bouts of feeling the burn while manning the burner can actually add up. In fact, a recent study from Oregon State University showed that the health benefits gleaned from small amounts of activity — even as small as one- and two-minute bursts that combine to equal 30 minutes per day — can be just as beneficial as longer bouts of physical exercise when it comes to improving health, minimizing metabolic syndrome, and preventing high blood pressure/cholesterol.
Plus, it will also improve your waistline if you keep busy during dinner prep with something other than taste-testing!
With that in mind, check out these quick-and-easy moves you can do while waiting for the oven, microwave, or heck … even the pizza delivery guy. Because seriously, who said the kitchen was just for cooking?
Take a look at the slideshow of kitchen exercise moves below and then tell us: Do you have any tricks for fitting your workouts in?
Image via iStock.com/BreatheFitness
Rolling Pin Hip Hinges
(Works hamstrings, glutes, and inner thighs)
Start standing upright about three feet away from a counter. Hinge forward from your hips rolling the rolling pin away from you until your back is flat, your arms are extended, and there is a 90-degree angle forming from your torso to your legs. Push your rear end toward the wall behind you until you feel a tightness in the back of your legs. Now, pressing your feet into the floor and pushing your hips forward, pull the rolling pin back towards you as you straighten to a standing position. Complete 10-15 reps.
Kitchen Cupboard Step-Ups
(Works hips, thighs, and glutes)
Using a small stepping stool (no higher than knee height), place your right foot on top of the step. Engaging the glutes, press down with your right foot as you bring the left foot up such that you end standing erect on top of the stool. Step back down with the left foot first and bring the right down to join it. Repeat 10 times stepping up with the right foot first and then 10 times leading with the left.
More from The Stir: 8 Easy Exercises Moms Can Do at the Playground (PHOTOS)
Countertop Push-ups
(Works chest, shoulders, and back)
Start standing at least three feet from the counter. Place hands on the edge slightly wider than shoulder width apart with arms fully extended. Keeping your abs tight and your body in a diagonal from the top of your head to your toes, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the counter-top. Press away and extend arms to return to starting position. Repeat 10-12 times.
Stovetop Squeezes
(Works inner/outer thighs and glutes)
Start standing with feet together, shoulders directly over your hips. Lift your heels and bend your knees keeping your back flat (as if you're sliding down a wall). In this position, with ankles, heels, and toes still touching, open your knees to the side to form a diamond between your legs. Then squeeze your inner thighs to bring your knees back together. Repeat 15-20 times.
Water Bottle Arm Circles
(Works upper arms and shoulders)
Start standing holding two 20+-ounce bottles (one in each hand). Lift arms away from your sides with palms facing front. Keeping arms straight and at shoulder height, start making small circles front-to-back. Do 30 circles in one direction and then reverse back-to-front for 30 circles (should take you approximately one minute to complete both directions).
Scullery Squats
(Works glutes and thighs)
Start standing with feet about hip distance apart and your hands resting lightly on a counter-top. Sitting back as you bend your knees no more than 90 degrees, allow your hips to jut backward and your torso to naturally tilt forward keeping your abs tight and your back flat. Pressing down into the floor with your heels and engaging the muscles right under your buttocks, straighten legs to return to the starting upright position. Repeat 10-15 times.
Cookin' Calf Raises
(Works calves, overall leg muscles)
Start standing with your heels together, legs turned out, toes pointing out with knees aligned over toes. Keeping your shoulders square over your hips, lift your heels such that your weight is on the balls of your feet. Think about pulling your calves and thighs upward and engaging your glutes. Now, squeeze your inner thighs toward each other as you slowly lower your heels to return to the starting position. Repeat 20 times.
