Exercises you can do while the kettle boils

January 20, 2017 tunisante

Exercise while you wait with these five five-minute workout routines
Start with yoga and move on to energetic routines to beat mid-morning slump
Intense HIIT-inspired routine after work promises to alleviate stress
Day ends with a soothing yoga ritual and a cup of calming caffeine-free tea

Imogen Blake For Mailonline

Published:
03:30 EST, 20 January 2017

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Updated:
07:56 EST, 20 January 2017

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Waiting for the kettle to boil and your tea to brew can seem like an age – particularly when you’re busy with a long to-do list.

But there could be a way to make the time fly and commit to your New Year’s fitness resolution simultaneously – by exercising as you wait.

These HIIT-inspired workouts by tea makers T2 and fitness studio Another_Space take just five minutes and are designed with every tea or coffee break in mind, from your breakfast cuppa to your last mug of the day.

And with video helping you to burn between 150 and 200 calories, you could burn off up to 1,000 calories a day if you do all five.

1. WAKE UP

These HIIT-inspired workouts by tea makers T2 and fitness studio Another Space take just five minutes. You start the day with a revitalising morning yoga routine

You’re out of bed, and have switched the kettle on. But don’t sit down and rub your bleary eyes while you wait – take the chance to do a five-minute yoga routine.

This workout will get you doing two side bends each way in five breath swings.Then take a short break before repeating.

Mix it up by performing some standing forward bends as well, before taking another 15 second break and then enjoying your first brew of the day.

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Chris Magee, head of Yoga at Another_Space, said: ‘Even a small dose of daily physical activity has been proven to boost serotonin levels (the feel-good hormone) which helps improve your mood and decrease stress.

‘HIIT (high intensity interval training) is the greatest form of training when you are short on time – a short intense burst of exercising can yield huge benefits, including a metabolic boost for up to 24 hours after the activity.’

2. ELEVENSES

The idea with this workout is to give you a mid-morning boost at the time of day when you’re most likely to slump.

This is a speed round, and it’s quite intense for a five-minute routine. Start with 45 seconds of two jumping jacks and four high knees, before taking a 15 second break.

Then do 45 seconds of four mountain climbers or shoulder tap rights, before another 15 second break.

Then perform 45 seconds of burpees (jumping up and then jumping out).

3. MID-AFTERNOON SLUMP

Cure the mid-afternoon slump with this energising workout, which incorporates a side plank

Cure the mid-afternoon slump with this energising workout.

Start with 45 seconds of step out press ups, alternating sides, before a 15 second break.

Then do a side plank with top elbow to knee touch. Do four each side then switch sides, before another 15 second break.

Lastly, perform 45 seconds of leg extensions.

4. POST-WORK

While you’re waiting for the kettle to boil for your first evening brew, try this energetic workout, which could help alleviate stress

It’s tempting when you get in the door from work to slump on the sofa and never move again.

But while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil for your first evening brew, try this energetic workout, which could help alleviate stress.

First jump forwards, do a burpee, and then run backwards, repeating for 45 seconds followed by a 15 second break.

Then do 45 seconds of donkey kicks before another 15 second break.

Next try two pump squats (one each side) before three tuck jumps.

5. BEFORE YOU SLEEP

Just before you drink one more cup for the road (to bed), try this soothing five-minute yoga routine, which involves a lunge (left) and a half-split (right)

Just before you drink one more cup for the road (to bed), try this soothing five-minute yoga routine.

First try a 30 second low crescent lunge, before moving into a half split for 30 seconds (apparently it’s not as complicated as it sounds).

Repeat the other side before performing a standing forward bend for 30 seconds.

Roll up spine to finish.

WHY YOU SHOULD SWAP COFFEE FOR TEA

Rob Hobson, nutritionist at robhobson.co.uk, explains why you should swap your regular coffee for a green tea to boost your energy and beat fatigue.

He said: ‘Sugar and caffeine are a classic combination for many people to get them through the afternoon.

‘But whilst a sugary coffee may give you the initial buzz you’re looking for, the effects of sugar on blood glucose levels may encourage a slump in energy (obviously depending on how much you have).

‘Try looking for something more refreshing and light, such as green tea or turmeric tea. Try adding ginger powder for an energizing spicy kick.

‘Some people like to pop out to the coffee shop mid-afternoon, but some of the flavour combinations are like a meal in a cup in terms of calorie content when you add up the coffee, milk, cream and sugar syrups.

‘You shouldn’t be viewing drinks as a reliable source of nutritious energy so go for something light and save those calories for something worthwhile and nourishing.

‘Opt for herbal teas with slices of lemon, lime, ginger or mint.’