90 minutes. It’s roughly how much time I spend a week doing my hair. I don’t wash it every day (gasp!) but when I do, it takes a decent chunk of time to get it dried and styled. The other days don’t require as much time, but it all adds up! That’s 90 precious minutes that we are just standing and holding a styling appliance. I’ve decided to create some exercises so that you can make the most of your time! Check the video below!
(Click here to view video if you have problems seeing it!)
The fact that your hands are up during these is actually a huge benefit! That really makes the core “engage” and tighten so that you stay balanced. You can take most of these moves and transfer them to the gym with weights too! Let’s get to it!
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{Hip Circles}
Start circling your hips to one side. Be sure to “hit” all 4 points (as seen below). The torso stays still! When you complete one rotation, stop and circle the other way. Repeat alternating hip circles. Concentrate on keeping the abs nice and tight! (I turned to the side in the “front” picture with hopes you could see that better) Reps: 2 sets of 6 circles each way
{Pelvic Tilt}
Start with your hips square to the counter. Tilt your pelvis back. (Think of pushing your tailbone up and out). Now, collapse the abs and scoop the pelvis forward. The movement back and forth is tight and controlled yet done in a smooth rolling motion. Repeat. Reps: 2 sets of 6 tilts each
{Shimmy Shimmy}
Start with your hips square to the counter. (I’m turned in this picture) Shimmy or slide from your hips to the ribcage to one side. Come back to center and then go the other way. Do not BREAK the torso. Keep it straight and strong. Pull the naval to the spine and lift up and out from the hips. (You never want to “sink” down) It is a tight, controlled shimmy! Reps: 2 sets of 6 shimmys each side
{Calf Raises}
Lift up and down on your toes. (Hold onto the counter if needed) You can also play around with variety as seen here! Reps: 2 sets of 10 raises
{Glute Extension to Knee Lift}
(This move may have to be modified depending on how much room you have around you.) Extend one leg behind you then bring it up to your waist in a smooth motion. As you bring the knee to the waist, add a little *uh*( aka: squeeze) to work those abs. Repeat. Be sure to switch sides! Reps: 2 sets of 10-12 extensions/lifts each side
{Standing fire hydrant}
Stand on one leg. The other leg bends at the knee. Move the lifted leg directly out from the standing leg as you keep the leg bent. (The knees are in line with one another) Bring back to the starting position. Repeat. (This is called the “fire hydrant” because it simulates a doggie, ahem, using the restroom on a fire hydrant. It’s typically done on the floor on all 4’s. Got the visual?! :)) Reps: 2 sets of 8-10 lifts each leg.
{Squat&Drag}
Great name, eh? š Squat down a few inches. (“Sink into your heels”) Take one leg WHILE YOU ARE SQUATTING and drag it behind you. Stop and drag it back to starting position. Repeat without STANDING!!! Switch sides. If you want to change it up, you can drag it out to the side too! Reps: 2 sets of 10 drags
{Dry& Balance}
I am missing my HAIRDRYER in this picture! Some of you do the ole’ flip-er-roo when you blow dry, so I thought I’d add in an exercise for you! While you are bent over, extend one leg behind you. Stand on that leg 4-12 seconds (depending on your balance strength!) Switch sides! Reps: 2 sets of 4 holds
Did you know that you can PRINT this? Go to the top of the blog and look for the PRINTER icon! There are many options for you!
Oh you know I love these!!! And I made it to the gym this morning woohoo!!!
Courtney
LOVE this. some of my girlfriends and i were just talking about wanting to get more toned! i never thought of doing toning stuff during my hair primping time…can’t wait to share!
Thank you! These are great ideas! I tend to feel impatient during my time spent drying my hair, and since I can’t really speed it up, I think these exercises would be a great way to use the time a little more effectively. š
A few months ago, I started doing squats while I am putting on makeup (not the mascara, though! Dangerous!) It helps me work on my balance, too.
Thanks again!
Hilarious, and genius… make the most of that time!!! I will totally be doing these. It takes forever to dry my hair, so I’ll be toned in no time. š
Thanks! What a super great idea!!! I don’t blow dry my hair very often in the summer, but I do almost daily in the winter- this is perfect for when I am low on time!!!
I love the idea! But since I have curls I have to blow dry my hair “upside down”,… to bad,….
That is awesome! I am so bad about making time to work out! I’m all over this one though!
The is great, Clare! Make the most of every minute š
This is AWESOME!
so glad I saw these..my baby is sick this week and I can’t take him with me to the gym….Woo hoo!!!!now I can look pretty and get in shape!!!! thanks
These are great!! I will have to try them tomorrow! Have to say, though…was hoping for a video demonstration… š
OMG! A Woman after my own heart! I totally love this. I actually love stretching when brushing my teeth, etc. I need to get back into these healthy habits. I have been skimming through your post and getting to know your site. I have also subscribed so I can stay updated and learn some new ideas.
I am thrilled to come across your site and cannot wait to try some of these exercises. I also was so glad to see I was not the only one to do exercising when I’m fixing my hair!:) thanks for sharing!!!!!
This is so Awesome!!! I’m totally doing this!!! Jan. I just started getting serious w/ getting healthy & working out. My hair is very long & I have to really plan time for a few hours for workouts b/c I have to wash my hair after exercising & it takes so much time to do. This is gonna help me look forward to styling time!!! Thanks for creating & sharing!!!