Consumers everywhere are always trying to stay in tip-top shape. Between work hours, toting children around, social events and sleep, it’s easy to send exercise to the wayside. What many don’t realize is how easy it is to fit in a workout throughout the workday. This is especially important for those in the dessert industry who have access to deliciously sweet calories all day. Here are some tips on how to burn some calories and tone those muscles throughout the work shift!
Drop It Like It’s Hot
Accidently drop a spatula or spoon? Squats are the answer for picking up dropped tools from the ground. Squats have been dubbed the “king of all exercises” as they engage the entire body while improving strength and endurance. Knock out 10 squats when picking up dropped kitchen tools and for an added challenge, hold a jug of milk while doing so.
Calories Burned*:
Whip It, Whip It Good
Whipping meringue or egg whites for several minutes can definitely cause a burn in the biceps. Next time that mixer stares you in the face, say no and whip by hand instead. Then take a look at those guns!
Calories Burned*:
Triceps with Trays
Taking trays of macaron shells or cookies in and out of the oven can cause a sweat, especially when baking for large catering events. This action alone can engage the triceps and for added burn, hold the tray at chest level and push it out and pull it back in 10 times before actually placing the tray in the oven. After several weeks of this exercise, your arms will be the envy of most!
Calories Burned*:
Walk the Plank
Yes, we are talking about the planking fad of 2011, except planking safely on all fours. Looking for crumbs under ovens or batch freezers in order to maintain that A+ grade from the health department? Get down on your hands and feet to work your core while doing so. Proper planking format includes keeping your hands under your shoulders and your body flat from the top of your head to your feet. A 60-second plank can burn 15-20 calories!
Calories burned*:
Sculpt to Perfection
In my first gelato class during training at PreGel, I admittedly thought that sculpting gelato pans looked like a walk in the park. Boy was I surprised when I got my spatula in there and realized that sculpting gelato is quite the arm workout. Major props to gelato makers out there!
Calories burned*:
Keeping Up with Rush Hour
The rush hour is always a challenge, both mentally and physically. Whether it’s the dinner rush at a restaurant, the morning rush at a bakery or the after-dinner crowd at a dessert shop, every business knows the hours they need to be in tip-top shape. Running around, fulfilling orders, taking orders, cleaning up orders and keeping an orderly shop, many don’t even realize they are getting a workout. But sure enough, the blood pumping through your heart and lungs is resulting in a cardio workout during your rush hour. So next time you think you’ve missed the gym that day, remember you in fact burned calories during your busy time!
Calories Burned*:
Raise You Up
Are your calves burning as you stand on your tippy toes trying to reach that bottle of chocolate sauce on the top shelf of the kitchen? Next time you go to reach for that hard-to-find product, throw in 10 calf raises, holding the last one extra high to actually grab the product.
Calories Burned*:
Push It Up
Have a few minutes to yourself with your shop completely clear? Throw in a few counter push-ups! Simply place your hands on the counter a little wider than shoulder width, set your feet several steps back and do a traditional push-up against the counter. Banging out 10 pushups a day means an extra scoop of ice cream for you!
Calories Burned*:
Balancing Act
As you’re ringing customers up, alternate standing on one foot. The single leg stand works the core and abs, and is a simple exercise that burns calories. Just be careful not to fall over when handing customers their change!
Calories Burned*:
Row Your Milk
The next time you reach for that jug of milk to create your next gelato or ice cream creation, stop and do 10 rows per arm using the jug as your weight. Milk jugs are an excellent source of free weights, so incorporate them into every exercise you do for added burn.
Calories Burned*:
*Each scoop = approximately 10 calories.
Disclaimer: Use this as a guideline, as the number of calories burned varies based on your weight and body type, how many repetitions you perform, as well as how long each exercise is performed.