The lazy girl’s guide to fitness: Exercise made easy

Can't commit to a vigorous gym routine just yet?

Introducing: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Fitness – your no-fuss way to feel stronger, fitter, and finally beat the bulge.

With winter just six weeks away, now's not the time to become a couch potato. 

Comfort eating and reduced activity make winter a prime time for weight gain. With colder weather keeping many indoors, outdoor exercise often takes a back seat – and so do those fitness goals.

Even regular gym goers are tempted to skip a day or two because it's too cold or dark outside. 

But don't sweat it; these lazy girl tips will get you on the right track.

Couch-ercise

Kill two birds with one stone by working out while watching your favourite series on Showmax or Netflix. 

Instead of snacking and drinking fizzy drinks, do leg lifts while you watch. 

Here are a few exercises you can do on your couch:

• Couch squats

• Hip hinges

• Lower abs

You can also do a full workout on your couch. Try Johanna Sophia's 30-minute 'Grow with Jo' couch routine.

ALSO READ: The ultimate workout motivation video

So easy you can't say no

It's easy to ditch your morning routine when you have to wake up at 6 am to drive to the gym for a 60-minute workout. 

It's either too cold or too early to force yourself out of bed, especially during winter. 

The lazy girl's guide to fitness makes it hard to say no. It makes fitness seem less daunting because it is easy to do. 

Start your day with a five-minute YouTube workout, or make it fun like Maddie from Mad Fit with a 15-minute dance workout. 

ALSO READ: Take this test to assess your fitness level

PJ workout

Take the stress out of working out by rolling out of your bed in your pyjamas and doing one-minute jumping jacks or jogging in the spot on the side of your bed. 

You can increase the intensity by doing high knees. It certainly will help wake you up!

You can also do a 10-minute workout like pilates in your PJs. 

ALSO READ: VIDEO: How often should you be washing your pyjamas?

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Fitness suits people new to exercise. It helps them build a consistent routine that makes it harder to fall off the wagon. 

However, if you want to get serious about your fitness, you will have to get off the couch and head to the gym or do a more vigorous home workout.

You have to break a sweat! 

According to the Mayo Clinic, you need to get "at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week".

Start with moderate exercises like walking, jogging, swimming and doing certain household chores. 

Then make small changes, like taking the steps instead of the lift, parking further than you need to to get more steps in, jumping off your bus one or two stops earlier so you can walk the rest of the way. 

Start small and work your way up to a fitness routine that improves your strength and stamina. 

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.

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