Game On, Netflix Binge

Thanks to Jewels Hall, Old Town Library, for contributing this post.

I’m guilty.

I logged in to Netflix just to watch the latest episode, and BAM! The next thing I know, hours have passed while I sat on my butt, binge watching a favorite TV show and snacking on junk food. But now I’ve found a way to make my Netflix binges healthy.

One day while sitting in my living room with friends joking about drinking games, I wondered, “What if I changed the rules of those TV drinking games and instead of drinking I did exercise?”

It’s only been a few weeks of doing my new game, but I love the change in my lifestyle already. My roommate has even joined in on the exercises.

Here’s an example of my game rules for Game of Thrones:

I found that creating rules for my new game was easy and works for any TV show or movie. You can make up your own rules, or you can search online for suggestions.  A quick Google search on the title of the show or movie plus “drinking game” will give you results for events, scenes, and character behaviors that occur frequently.

You can also adjust the difficulty by adding or subtracting repetitions of any exercise, or even adding or subtracting exercises. Go for quality with good form, and then add to your repetitions. If you aren’t sure what some of these exercises are trying going to Livestrong.com or Youtube.com to find a video that demonstrates it for you.  I have 15 different exercises I do for any show I watch now.

Other exercises to consider:

• Upright row
• Kettlebell swings
• Shoulder press up
• Calf raises
• Clam shells
• Front, side, and back kicks
• Leg lifts
• Mountain climbers

You might also consider making different workout charts for leg days (Mon., Wed., Fri.) and arm days (Tues., Thurs., Sat.). I’ve even incorporated some of my physical therapy exercises into the mix which my PT doctor loves because I’m more consistent now and making better progress.

Feeling inspired? Pick your favorite show or movie and Game On!