Today’s guest post comes from Corey over at Seige Media and is PERFECT for teachers dealing with squirrely students the last week of school or perhaps a fun option for summer school as well. Heck, these bookish exercises are great for any bookworm who has been slacking on their step goal and needs to add a little movement to their life. Let us know in the comments? Which one of these 7 reading exercises is your favorite? (If you prefer to watch, rather than read, check out the video version of this post, here.)

7 Exercises to do While Reading

If you had to choose between a workout and finishing the last few chapters of a book you’ve been wrapped up in, chances are you’d probably choose the book. But don’t put your fitness goals on hold because you can’t put your book down. There are plenty of workouts you can do while you read—supporting your physical and mental fitness.

Mental fitness is just as important as our physical fitness, so what better way to combine the two than by reading while working out? Grab your book, change into your favorite workout leggings and follow the exercises below for the perfect page-turning workout.

1. Literature Leg Raises

Laying down, working out and reading at the same time? Count me in. Leg raises can be done from the gym, your living room and even your bed, but can still make you break a decent sweat. The perfect workout to target your abs and core.

Here’s how:

Start by lying on your back while holding your book in both hands.
Keep your legs straight then lift them toward the ceiling.
Slowly bring your legs back down while keeping your core engaged.
Repeat 10 reps for 3 to 5 sets.

2. Wordy Wall Sit

The wordy wall sit might keep you on your toes more than your favorite thriller novel. This workout is great for targeting your quads, glutes and calves.

Here’s how:

Start by standing with your back against a wall and your legs shoulder width apart.
Hold your book with both hands in front of you while you get in the proper position.
Then, slowly slide your back down the wall until you’re in a seated position.
Keep your back flat against the wall and hold for 1 minute or until you’ve read 1 to 2 pages—bonus points if you can hold it longer!

3. Stationary Book Bike

Got a peloton that’s been collecting dust in your home office? Don’t worry, you can fix that. Grab your favorite book and start pedaling on to the next chapter for a workout that will target your glutes, calves, quads and hamstrings.

Here’s how:

Pick a book and place it on the bike or hold it in your hands.
Start pedaling.
Pedal for 30 minutes or make a goal to stop once you’ve read a certain amount of pages or chapters. For example, ride until you finish 2 chapters.

Here’s a few more!

Combining physical fitness and mental fitness is easy when you have a solid workout routine and your favorite book in hand. It’s never too late to accomplish those New Year’s resolutions and summer fitness goals you set for yourself.

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