Exercises You Can Do While Waiting In Line

We wait in line a lot! At the bank, the grocery store, even at the movies. I’ve turned a negative into a positive by looking at this time as an opportunity to squeeze in a mini workout. 

Here are 6 exercises you can do while waiting in line…

1. CALF RAISES

This is a great exercise for your feet, shins, and ankles. Start by putting most of your weight onto one foot, lifting onto the ball of the foot, holding for 1-2 seconds, then lower. Alternate for about 12 to 15 reps, or until you feel a nice burn.

2. BUTTOCK PINCHES

This is another favorite of mine you can do while waiting in line and no one would ever know. It’ great for toning your gluteus! While standing on the balls of your feet, clench your buttocks together for three-seconds, tightly, then slowly release and go back to the flats of your feet. Do 3 sets of 12 to15 repetitions, with 15-30 seconds between sets. 

3. SHOULDER LATERAL RAISES

Do this exercise if you’re outside or in a place where you have a little extra room.  Use two water bottles or two cans of vegetables as dumbbells. With one in each hand, arms straight down at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, and raise your arms up slowly until they are straight out, like you’re forming the letter “T”. Lower your arms back down slowly and with control. Do 3 sets of 8 to10, with 15-30 seconds between sets. 

4. BICEP CURLS WITH A SHOPPING BAG

This is a great exercise for upper body strength. Fill 2 shopping bags with a few items and follow these easy steps. Hold one bag in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Let your arms hang down at your sides with your palms facing forward. Stand tall and keep your knees slightly bent. Curl both arms upward slowly until they’re in front of your shoulders. Slowly lower the dumbbells back down. Do 3 sets of 12 to15 repetitions, with 15-30 seconds between sets.

5. WALK IN PLACE

Walk in place while you’re standing. It’s that simple! I wear a pedometer every day and make sure I get in all of my 15,000 steps. (Need a good pedometer? I use fitbit.)

6. SQUATS

Squats are, hands down, the best exercise you can do for your legs. Stand straight, then bend at your waist as though you’re going to sit down on a chair. When you reach the “sitting” position, return standing. Keep your back straight, and for balance, keep your arms out in front of you or on your waist. Do 3 sets of 12 to15 repetitions, with 15-30 seconds between sets.