BY TARA ZIMILIKI

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Often people that lead stressful lives find comfort in relaxing on the couch after a long day. However, once these people lay on the couch they have trouble getting motivated to get up and exercise. Exercise will not only help these individuals release stress but also better their joint, heart and mental health.  Recent research shows that even the smallest of exercise can lend results over time.  To better your health it is important to get this exercise in. 

Here are 6 “couch potato exercises” to help you get in shape:

Coach Potato Tricep Dips:

Targets:
Triceps, Arms

Sit at the end of the couch and rest your hands at the end.  Walk your body out so your pelvic are and hips are in the air.  Slowly lower your body to floor while bending elbows and then straighten your arms.  Perform 3 sets of 18.

Bridge kick

Targets:
Butt and thighs
While lying back on your sofa with arms at your sides, squeeze your butt and lift hips so your body is in a straight line. Raise the left leg bringing this as high as possible.  Lower and repeat with the left leg.  Do 3 sets of 12 per leg.

Couch Push Up

Targets: chest, triceps, and core

While kneeling on the sofa with arms shoulder width apart bend your elbows and chest toward couch and lower body then push it back up.  Make sure your body is in a straight line from head to toe.  Repeat 20 times.

Seated scissors

Targets: Legs and Stomach

Move to the edge of the coach and sit up keeping a strong posture.  Lengthen and extend legs in front and while
keeping legs straight, cross your legs back and forth in a scissor manner.  Continue switching 50 times.  To intensify this exercise you’re your arms in front of you.

Remember you are capable of finding time to exercise even if it is while you are on the couch. In just the commercials you can get a workout in that will help better your health and diminish your waistline. Set fitness and health as a priority for 2013 so you can reach your goals!

***Tara Zimliki is a nationally recognized weight loss expert, personal trainer, health coach, health writer and founder of Tara’s Bootcamp, the Premiere Bootcamp of New Jersey.  Tara has 9 years experience in helping countless clients lose weight, better their health and change their lives.  Additionally, Tara has completed 19 marathons, hundreds of 5ks and has trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross country scholarship. She has placed in the top for USATF running grand prix for 8 years in a row.  Tara also has a degree from Rutgers University and specializes in fat loss and nutrition. In 2005, Tara ran the NYC Marathon while 8 months pregnant with her 2nd daughter, Ella. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC marathon. And in 2011, Tara ran the NYC Marathon 6 months pregnant with her 3rd baby, Brent. Tara has been
featured on many television segments including Fox, WPIX, NJ 12 and in Prevention’s 2011 book, . Tara’s
practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results. For more information on Tara visit www.tarasbootcamp.com and for tips on health, nutrition, motivation and workouts visit her motivational sister site www.funfitmama.com