One of the most common excuses for putting off exercising is lack of time. We feel you, where do you find the time for a trip to the gym between work, family and daily responsibilities? And don’t tell me to wake up earlier, HA-HA. If you are feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, kill two birds with one stone and work out while you brush! The benefits are two fold because not only will you get a little fitness fit into your routine, but this will also encourage you to brush longer. The recommended brushing time is 2 minutes, and I know many of us are guilty of cutting that short.

I know what you’re thinking, and you can take that mental image of yourself sweating profusely all over the toothpaste and kick it right out the door. These exercises are simple, quick, and won’t require a post workout shower.

Calf Raises

This exercise is very simple, and you’ll feel the burn in your calf muscles faster than you think! All you do is rise up on your tippy toes and come back down to create a rhythmic up and down motion. Once you’ve mastered the calf raises on both feet, try alternating between using one foot at a time and then the other. This simple movement can really help tone your legs.

Squats

You may need a little more space for this one. All you do is squat down like you’re picking something up off the floor and come back up to a full standing position. Keep your feet wide and planted firmly on the ground and your back straight. See how many you can do in 30 seconds.

Balancing

Easier said than done. Balancing is good for your coordination as well as strengthening many under-utilized muscles in your legs. Try standing on one foot with your other foot resting on the side of your knee. Do 20 seconds for each leg. Feel the burn yet?

Kickbacks

First make sure no one is behind you, then with both feet on the ground put the weight on your left leg and raise your right leg behind you. Raise it as high as you can without bending over, then pulse up and down. Do as many as you can for 20 seconds each leg.

These exercises won’t replace an hour at the gym, but when your spending 2 minutes each time you brush your teeth, why not make the most of it? It will get your heart going and help you feel excited for your day. If you keep it up, working out while brushing will become a natural part of your daily routine.

Happy Exercising!