Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, so why not combine the two? Reading is the perfect activity to do while working out to engage your mind and your muscles. Here are a few workout ideas you can try while getting lost in a good read.
1. Wordy Wall Sit
The wordy wall sit isn’t for the faint-hearted. This workout is sure to make you tremble more than your favorite thriller novel. Grab a book from your at-home library and change into your favorite pair of workout leggings to get ready for this exercise that will have your quads, glutes, and calves on fire.
Here’s how:
- Start by standing with your back against a wall and legs shoulder-width apart.
- Hold your book with both hands in front of you while you get into position.
- Slowly slide your back down the wall until you’re in a seated position.
- Keep your back flat against the wall and hold for one minute. Or if you’re up for the challenge, try holding the position until you’ve read 1-2 pages in your book.
2. Trilogy Treadmill Walk
Ever get bored walking on the treadmill? We’ve all been there. But, if you’ve got a good book in hand, you might be so in the zone you won’t even realize you’ve walked a couple of miles. This is the perfect workout you can do to get your cardio in and target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
Here’s how:
- Start by placing your book on the treadmill.
- Then, start walking at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
- Keep this pace going or, for added intensity, increase the incline level on the treadmill.
- Walk for 30 minutes or make a goal to stop after you’ve read a certain amount of pages (or chapters if you’re up for it!). For example, walk until you’ve read 20 pages of your book.
3. Page Turner Planks
Ready to target your core and lower back while keeping your eyes on the pages of your book? Planks are the way to do it.
Here’s how:
- Start in a push-up position with your book on the floor.
- Lower yourself onto your forearms.
- Tighten and engage your abs and core.
- Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or make a goal to stop after you’ve read a certain amount of pages.
Reading is the perfect way to keep your mind busy while getting those reps in. For more exercises you can do while reading, check out the infographic below.
