7 Exercises To Do While Reading a Book
/Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness and reading is the perfect activity to do while working out, as it helps keep your mind and muscles active. Reading can help improve your brain function, reduce stress levels, improve your memory and can even aid in healthy sleep. If you love reading, exercise your mind and body with these workouts you can do while reading a book.
1. Literacy Lunges
Grab your favorite book, your best pair of workout leggings and your favorite pair of sneakers for this workout that will target your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves.
Here’s how:
Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart, back straight and core engaged.
With your book in one hand, step forward bending both knees until your back knee is almost touching the ground.
Stand up and repeat the movement on the opposite leg.
Continue alternating legs until you complete 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 10 reps.
2. Page Turner Planks
Think you can hold these page-turner planks for a whole chapter? If the read is getting good, you’ll be sure to hold this position for longer than you’d expect. When performing this exercise, you’ll be targeting your core and lower back.
Here’s how:
Start in a push-up position with your book open and on the floor below you.
Lower yourself onto your forearms.
Tighten and engage your ab and core muscles.
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or make a goal to stop after you’ve read a certain amount of pages. For example, hold the position until you’ve successfully read 5 pages.
3. Literature Leg Raises
Literature leg raises can be done from virtually anywhere. Next time you’re reading from your couch or bed, try incorporating this movement to target your abs and core.
Here’s how:
Begin by lying on your back, holding your book with both hands.
Keep your legs straight and lift them up toward the ceiling.
Slowly lower your legs back down while keeping your core engaged.
Repeat the exercise for 3-5 sets of 15 reps.
4. Side-Lying Leg Lifts
Similar to the literature, leg raises, side lying leg lifts can also be done from the comfort of your bed or couch to target your hips, glutes and abs.
Here’s how:
Start by lying on your right side, supporting your head with your right arm.
Then, place your left arm on the floor for extra support.
Lift your leg up then back down to meet the other leg.
Repeat for 10 reps or 2 pages, then switch sides and repeat on the other leg.
Next time you can’t put your book down, try getting in some reps so you keep your mind and your muscles engaged. For more exercises that are perfect for book worms, check out the infographic below.