Fitness Tips for Exercise Phobic Shoppers.

If even the thought of going to the gym makes you break out in hives, fear not. You can get just as good a workout by heading for the nearest shopping mall.

Before the workout going shopping

Always make sure you have something healthy to eat before you hit the gym mall. After all, you’ll need energy, stamina and mental concentration to complete the workout shopping. And don’t forget the water bottle. Shopping is thirsty work.

Eating before you shop also reduces the risk of eating at the mall, where, let’s face it, we usually end up consuming food high in calories and fat.

 Warm Up

Any good workout requires a warm up regime. So don’t park the car at the entrance to the mall. Look for a parking space at the edge of the car park and then walk briskly to the shops. In fact, why not jog into the mall. Everyone will just think you’re a keen shopper. And don’t forget to conduct a mental warm up as well – refresh the mind as to which shops are having the best sales and contemplate your tactics on manoeuvring around all the obstacles (human and otherwise) that might get in your way.

The Workout

Shopping Cart Sprints - before you start wandering aimlessly around the aisles of the department store or supermarket, do a series of shopping cart sprints. Aim to speed walk  up and down at least 10 aisles to get the full effect of this cardio workout.  Just try not to cause too much damage.

Machine Testing - hit the department store fitness center and try out the various exercise machines. Yes’ it looks like a gym but it’s not. So slip off the sandals and jump onto the treadmill and stick with it until the shop manager suggests you either buy it or get off.

Work those muscles – whenever you end up standing in one place, whether it’s at the checkout counter or while flipping through the latest magazine at the bookstore, work the muscles. Tighten the abs and gluts – a set of three of each is a good start.

Do some stretches and bends by reaching for items on the top and lower store shelves. Don’t worry about what you’re grabbing for, just do it and more than once. Okay, so it might look a little strange, but if anyone asks, just smile and say ‘I’m having trouble making up my mind.’

Weight Training - there are so many opportunities for weight training exercises while shopping. If you’re at the supermarket with your kids, get them to push the trolley (risky I know!) while you pick up a couple of cans of baked beans and wander up and down the aisles doing arm curls.

Do the same while standing in line at the checkout counter. Who knows, you might even start a trend.

You can do the same with shopping bags, holding each in one hand and arm curling as you wander on to the next shop on your list.

Cool Down 

Even shoppers need a cool down period. So sit down and take a break. Don’t forget to re-hydrate and feed the body. Just make sure you make a healthy choice.

Happy Shopping…