(BlackDoctor.org) – Okay, shopping alone won’t give you all the benefits of a traditional gym workout. But!
According to Geralyn Coopersmith, director of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute, there are still ways to improve your health while making your shopping rounds.
At The Mall
• Walk As Much As Possible. Park in the back of the lot instead. If your mall has an option to take the stairs, skip the escalator. These are activities that mimic cardiovascular exercise and, therefore, burn calories. Shopping can often help women reach their overall daily cardio goals. In fact, the average shopping trip involves walking almost three miles.
• Grab Your Pedometer. Park at the outer perimeter of the parking lot and walk briskly through the mall. Set a goal for a number of steps you want to log and keep walking until you’ve reached your goal. Window-shopping is allowed – as long as it doesn't slow your pace.)
• Get In Some In-Line Ab Work. While waiting for your purchase, pull your belly button toward your back. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat. This will strengthen and tone your glute muscles and your abs.
• Your Shopping Bags = Weights. If you're already holding bags, do bicep curls while waiting in line for the bathroom. Do 20 reps for lighter bags and 15 for heavier bags. You can also do shrugs, which will help tone your shoulders and chest.
At The Supermarket
• Carry A Basket. If you're only purchasing a few items, carry a basket as you shop instead of pushing a cart. After your groceries are bagged, carry them to your car. A gallon of milk weighs approximately 10 pounds!
• Squat & Reach. When reaching for an item on a lower shelf, squat. Repeat two to three times to work your calves, thighs, glutes, and abs.
• Reach Up High. When trying to grab something that’s on a higher shelf, hold that reach for 10 seconds. Repeat this five times. If you feel self-conscious, pretend you can't decide whether to buy the product. Stretching on your toes with your arms above your head strengthens the legs, back, and arms. It also improves balance.
• While Standing In The Checkout Line…Spread your legs to the width of your shoulders. Try to squeeze the floor together between your feet, holding for 10 seconds. Then push your feet apart and hold for 10 seconds. These two exercises will firm up your inner and outer thighs.
