How to Work Out While Binge Watching Your Favorite TV Shows

Written by
Scott Brown
We live in a golden age of television. Shows are getting better and better, and with the technological advancements of DVRs, on demand and streaming services, it's easy to get sucked into binge watching your favorite shows.

What's not easy, however, is finding the time to stay healthy and active while you're obsessing over your favorite series. Who has time to go to the gym when you're waiting to see what happens next after a cliffhanger?

Binge watching and exercise don't have to be mutually exclusive, though. You just have to #ACTIVEBinge. Think of it like a drinking game — figure out recurring events or themes that happen in every episode, and perform an exercise each time they occur.

Whether you're picking up on a new series or re-watching one of your all-time favorites for the fourth time, this is a great way to stay entertained and in shape.

WARNING: Minor spoilers throughout. Viewer discretion advised.
24
(8 seasons, plus a mini-series, plus a made-for-TV movie)
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24 teaches many of us two things: 1) Even if you're having the worst day of your life, it could be worse. 2) Torture works. For Jack Bauer, at least.

60-second wall-sit: Every time Jack says some variation of, "I WANT ANSWERS!" Just tell him what he wants to know, people. He's not messing around.

BONUS: 30 extra seconds if Jack follows up with some form of torture to retrieve the answers. Torture for torture, it's only fair.

20 push-ups: Every time Jack catches the bad guy, only to find out that bad guy was taking orders from a more dangerous bad guy. It's like working your way up to the boss level in a video game.

10 burpees: Every time a major character dies. We won't provide names, but you'll know when one counts.
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Breaking Bad
(5 seasons)
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Many consider Breaking Bad one of best antihero series ever made. Sure, he's breaking the law, but he's doing it for the right reasons. It's all for his family. Right, Walt?

1-minute plank: Every time Jesse says the B-word (the female dog one). Whether it's out of anger or excitement, both count.

20 step-ups: Every time Walt uses science to MacGyver his way out of a situation. "Oh, we need to break into a chemical plant? Bring me 20 Etch-a-Sketches."
Note: Use a sturdy chair if you don't have a box.

20 mountain climbers: Every time you see a bag, stack or pallet of money.
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Friends
(10 seasons)
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No one told them life was going to be this way. But even when it isn't their day, week, month or even year, they're there for each other, like they've been there before.

20 jumping jacks: Every time somebody says something and the camera briefly cuts to another character non-verbally reacting to what was said. You'll know what we mean when you see it.

20 crunches: Every time Joey says, "How you doin'?" Classic.

20 lunges: Every time Ross and Rachel almost get together, actually get together, almost break up or actually break up.
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Game of Thrones
(5 seasons and counting)
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Welcome to the wonderful world of Westeros, where you can't trust anybody, even family. Many people pay for HBO almost exclusively for this show.

20 crunches: Every time a fictional creature is referenced or seen. Direwolves, White Walkers and Dragons, oh my!

20 push-ups: Every time you (or the person you're watching with) says, "Wait, who is that again? Do we know him?" Seriously, though, there are so many characters.

10 burpees: Every time a major character dies. On the downside, no one is safe; on the upside, you're going to be in great shape.
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House of Cards
(3 seasons and counting)
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As gridlocked as real-life politics can get, it's nice to see a politician who really knows how to get things done.

1-minute plank: Every time Frank Underwood looks directly into the camera and speaks to you.

20 high knees: Every time something political happens and you think you understand. It's a little over your head, but you still think you vaguely know what's going on.

10 tricep dips: Every time you think to yourself, "Wait, what?" This show has several confusing moments.
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The Office
(9 seasons)
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If there were an open job at the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch, the applicant list would be a long one. Who wouldn't want to hang out with Jim, Pam and Dwight?

20 calf raises: Every time someone says "That's what she said." Thanks for the killer calves, Michael Scott!

20 crunches: Every time Jim pulls a prank on Dwight. It takes some serious dedication to pull off that many elaborate pranks.

10 burpees: Every time an ancillary character is the theme of the episode (i.e. Phyllis' wedding or Meredith's birthday).
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Sons of Anarchy
(7 seasons)
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Admit it, a little part of you has always wanted to be in a motorcycle gang. That is, until you realize you don't look cool in a leather vest. Then, it's back to the sedan for you.

20 push-ups: Every time someone cheats on their significant other.

20 crunches: For every act of corruption on the part of a cop, politician or any other sort of official. Everybody has a price.

10 lunges: Every time Jackson almost makes the morally right decision when he has a choice to make, but then doesn't.
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The Walking Dead
(5 seasons and counting)
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Who doesn't love watching Rick and his gang fight their way through a post-apocalyptic world of zombies? Plus, the villains on this show keep getting better and better.

20 jumping jacks: Every time someone kills a zombie. Make sure you build up that cardio so you don't get bit.

20 push-ups: Every time a zombie catches somebody by surprise. Good thing you did all those push-ups — your stabbing muscles are ready.

10 burpees: Every time a major character dies. It's OK, you can blame your tears on the burpees.
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