
Many exercises can be completed in just a few minutes, requiring nothing but a bit of privacy or confidence to do them without feeling self-conscious. For example, you can do squats while brushing your teeth.
Personally, I find toothbrushing squats require more focus than I can muster in the morning, but calf raises (or simply walking on tiptoe around the bathroom) could work just as well.
While waiting for the microwave, I often do pushups or take the time to wash some dishes. Mytour colleague Josh Ocampo swears by “microwave abs.” If you have a pull-up bar in a doorway, you can get in a few reps every time you pass through. Reddit user u/frogguy955 does pushups every time their character dies in a video game.
A great way to sneak in a mini-workout is by pairing exercises with your daily routine: try squats before hopping in the shower or every time you head to the bathroom. Personally, when I rise from my desk in my home office, I make it a point to go up and down the stairs—even if I don’t actually need anything downstairs. It’s a simple way to move more than just the basic few steps across the room. Keep these “every time I...” habits lighthearted and fun—if not, you might start avoiding the task just to skip the exercise.
So, we’d love to hear: what mini workouts do you fit into your day? Or what parts of your routine could you use to sneak in a quick burst of movement?
