The couch-potato Workout

Shape, Sept, 2007

"Americans watch an average of two to four hours of television a day, which includes at least 30 minutes of commercials," says Linda J. Buch, co-author of The Commercial Break Workout. "That's time that could be spent exercising." Drop the remote and try Buch's toning moves; do each one for the duration of one commercial break.

Elevated push-up

WORKS CHEST, ARMS, UPPER BACK, AND CORE

Put your knees on a chair and your hands on the floor. Inhale as you lower your upper body toward the floor. Exhale and push back up. Repeat.

The X

WORKS BACK

Lie facedown on the floor with your legs and arms extended. Lift right arm and left leg several inches off floor. Hold for 2 counts, then continue alternating sides.

Oblique crunch

WORKS ABS AND THIGHS

Lie on right side with legs extended. Lift legs several inches off the floor while crunching your upper body up. Try a few on each side, then switch and continue alternating.

Chair squat

WORKS LEGS AND BUTT

Sit with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended in front of you just over knees. Exhale as you push through your heels to stand up. Slowly sit down and repeat.