Exercising in The Kitchen

If you’re a chef/baker like us, you’re constantly making and tasting. And the quarantine-15? Super real.

When I’m in the kitchen, I’m constantly wondering: okay, how can I balance out all of these calories? (It’s impossible to eat only one forkful of cake, okay? I don’t make the rules!) Enter: kitchen workouts! Yep, you heard me—exercises specifically designed to work out while in the kitchen. Here are my personal favorites.

1. Counter Pushups

The most obvious workout: the counter pushups. No, you don’t have to get on the floor—just place your hands shoulder-width apart, then lower and lift. This is perfect when you’re waiting for the oven to heat up or water to boil.

2. Pan-Weighted Lunges

Lunges target the quads, glutes, and hamstrings, and they’re even more effective with weights. Don’t have any dumbbells sitting around? Pull out a pan—cast iron is best for the most effective exercise—and use that instead, switching hands as you switch sides.

3. Dishwasher Squats

As you rinse off your measuring cups, bowls, and spatulas, don’t bend over to put them in the dishwasher. Instead, open up your hamstrings and build that muscle by squatting each time you put the silverware away.

4. Warrior Pose Watching

Got something in the oven? Cycle through Warrior poses. You’ll feel strong and flexible as you watch your cookies come to life. There are three different poses, one of which requires plenty of balance, so you won’t be bored.

5. Calf Raise Reaches

Putting dishes away or searching for the right mold? Any time you have to slightly reach up, push to your tippy-toes and get a raise in there. Those cups and plates will get your calves in shape.

There are many ways to burn some calories while you’re cooking up sweets. Get creative and you’ll be working off those cookies in no time!