Weird and wonderful
ways to get fit

By Catherine Hollyman
At your desk; in John Lewis; in the bar; even in the bath... for those of us that have trouble committing to a regular exercise regime these random acts of fitness can fit seamlessly into your current lifestyle without imposing on your day-to-day. Let\'s face it, every little bit really does help, and there\'s nothing like a little competition - especially with yourself. So invest in a pedometer and set yourself targets. It\'s recommended that we walk at least 10,000 steps a day. How many do you do?

Fitness tip 1: at the sink

As you\'re brushing your teeth in the mornings and evenings, place your legs shoulder width apart and do squats. Squats are a great for your butt and thighs, so the more you can do as you brush the better. A minute of brushing twice a day - that\'s nearly quarter of an hour of squats a week!

Fitness tip 2: in the shower

Use the cellulite exfoliator to work those leg muscles and tone the arms. Legs together, slightly bent at the knee as if you\'re skiing. In circular motions work away at your bum and thighs, keeping your arms steady and being careful not to slip.

Fitness tip 3: drying your hair

Dry your hair in the hallway instead of the bedroom. Use the bottom step of your staircase to do step-ups as you\'re waiting for your hair to dry. Alternatively, drag the step out from under the bed that you bought from JJB five years ago and use that - you know it\'s there waiting to be dusted off.

Fitness tip 4: walk to work

Walk to work instead of driving or catching the tube or bus. If that\'s unrealistic, get off one or two stops earlier and walk the remaining distance to the office. Do the same on the way home - it\'ll help clear your head of the day\'s stresses, too.

Fitness tip 5: at your desk

A perfect time to tone that stomach and your legs with stomach crunches and calf raises. Sitting upright with your feet flat on the floor, clench your stomach muscles and count to 10 or 15, then release and repeat. For variations, work those calves by raising your leg on to the balls of your feet, holding for five seconds and then rolling back to a flat foot and through to your heel so your toes are raised. Repeat as often as you can.

Fitness tip 6: coffee breaks

If you\'re a coffee fiend then use the break more wisely. Find a decent coffee house that\'s a little bit further away from the office so you have to walk those extra steps to get there - and go for skimmed milk if you can!

Fitness tip 7: client meetings

Don\'t get taxis - walk to your client meetings. Not only is it better for you, it gives you chance to mentally prep for the meeting and means more time out of the office!

Fitness tip 8: shopping

Treat yourself at lunchtime and go shopping. Walk briskly to the furthest shop and then let the shopping begin, but...

Fitness tip 9: use the stairs

...as you\'re traipsing around Topshop, Harvey Nichols or Selfridges, use the stairs instead of the escalator. One hour lunch break; six shops with three or more floors - that\'s more step climbing than Rocky!

Fitness tip 10: go wireless

Ask your boss if you can buy a wireless headset. During those half hour conference calls you\'ll be able to work your biceps and triceps with dumbells, tins of baked beans - whatever you can get your hands on!

Fitness tip 11: take it outside

Make internal meetings external. Instead of you and your colleagues holing up in an airless meeting room, take a walk around the block. It\'ll help keep your meeting to the point, get some air in your lungs and add some steps to your pedometer.

Fitness tip 12: food shopping

Instead of using a trolley, grab two baskets. Not only will it give your arms a great workout, it\'ll ensure that you only buy the items you really need and stop you stocking up on junk food.

Fitness tip 13: in the kitchen

Buy a stretch elastic to use while you\'re cooking. Tie it to a door frame or a drawer and stretch those arms and back muscles as you cook or wait for the microwave to ping. Perfect for when you\'re on the phone to girlfriends too.

Fitness tip 14: in the bath

Get yourself a washboard stomach as you wash, shave the legs, or read in the bath. Raise your legs and your back off the bath tub and hold for 10-15 seconds. Relax and repeat.

Fitness tip 15: home pedicure

It\'s sit-ups galore as you paint your pinkies and wait for them to dry. Each coat of paint on each toe can mean a sit up. Ten little toes, two coats per toe - that\'s 20 sit ups. And then there\'s all that time while you\'re waiting for them to dry - gimme 20 more, you can do it!

Fitness tip 16: dancing up a storm

If ever you needed an excuse to go out and party, this is it! Dancing is a great way to get fit without even realising you\'re doing it, so get your booty on the dancefloor and shake that \"thang.\"

Fitness tip 17: movie time

The average length of a movie is 90 minutes. All that time sitting around might as well go to good use. So whether you\'re in the cinema or on your sofa, use the time to work those pelvic floor muscles.

Fitness tip 18: striptease

Feeling sexy after all these exercises? Keep on working it, Carmen Electra style, with a sultry striptease. No one to watch? Do it for yourself!

Fitness tip 19: sex

It doesn\'t stop in the bedroom - right to the toe-curling end, you can enjoy acts of fitness. Go on top during sex and work those thighs or do push-ups and get sneaky smacker for your efforts.

Fitness tip 20: housework

A great way to get those muscles moving, work up a sweat and get the chores done into the bargain. Do arm reps while hoovering, stretches while scrubbing, then take a long, relaxing soak in your newly sparkling bath.

Get more diet, health and fitness tips in our sister magazines Zest and netdoctor.co.uk

Diet woes? See the 20 things that could be making you fat

Why negative thoughts are ruining your fitness and weight-loss goals

What kind of eater are you?