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Best Exercises for When You Can’t Hit the Gym: Calf Raises

By Alexis Wolfer

Hitting the gym is obviously the best way to work your body, but, when it just isn’t possible, that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on exercise for the day. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, waiting for the elevator or in line at a register, every moment is a moment to do something that benefits your body. And while we’re not suggesting you spend your entire day doing some sort of fitness routine, it’s nice to know that even on those days when working out just doesn’t seem plausible, that any moment can be a moment during which you can work to become stronger, fitter and faster.

If you have more time, try this fun cardio routine!

While this exercise may seem painfully obvious (we assure you that it is, at the very least, painful if you do it enough), it is nevertheless an easy way to incorporate movement and fitness in your every day life. So, the next time you’re standing in place, waiting in a line or just talking on the phone, try doing some calf raises. Your toned legs will thank you come short’s season.

Tone your triceps without weights!

The most basic way to do the move is to stand with feet a bit closer than shoulder width apart and to push yourself up on to your tippy-toes and then back down, repeat as many times as you can. To make it more challenging, stand on a step with your heels dangling off the back to increase your range of motion. To put the focus more on the inside of your calves, step your feet a bit further apart and keep your weight on the inside balls of your feet. To work the outside of your calves, place your feet closer together and keep your weight on the outer halves of your feet. At all times, keep your feet parallel to one another, pointing forward.

Strengthen your stomach while at work!