7 Daily Exercises You Can Do While You Brush Your Teeth

Author John Maxwell said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” So, why not make your daily routine start with simple exercises you can do all while brushing your teeth? By doing these just two minutes a day, you’re building little habits that will change your life for the better.

1. Wall sit

Wall sits strengthen your glutes, upper leg muscles, and core. All you need is wall space big enough in your bathroom to rest your back against.

If you don’t know how to do a wall sit, this video will teach you.

2. Lunges

Lunges are done by stepping forward with one foot and bending your knee at a 90 degree angle. Hold that position for at least 30 seconds. Then, switch to the other leg. If your bathroom is small, you can just do it in place. If you have more space, see how many times you can lunge across your bathroom while you brush your teeth.

Keep in mind that your knee shouldn’t extend over your ankle during the lunge. It needs to stay in line with your foot and ankle to prevent injury.

3. Squats

Squats strengthen not only your legs and buttocks, but also your joints, core, and back muscles. In fact, some experts say that if you have time for only one exercise everyday, do squats.

A squat is done by standing with your legs shoulder width apart, keeping your torso straight, and slowly bending your knees almost like you are sitting down without a chair. Hold it for about five seconds, then slowly stand up. Then you repeat that many times. Just like with lunges, your knees should never extend over your toes.

4. Sumo squats

This different variation of squat works your inner thigh. Sumo squats are done by standing about six inches wider than your shoulders, with your feet pointed at a 45-degree angle. Then, lower your hips down as if you’re going to sit down. Again, make sure your knees don’t extend over your feet.

5. Calf raises

This super simple exercise has surprising benefits. It stretches and strengthens the lower leg and ankle while also improving balance.

Do a calf raise by standing flat on your feet, then switch the weight to the balls of your feet while lifting your heels. Hold for a few seconds, drop them back down and repeat several times.

6. Jog in place

If you can’t breathe through your nose very well, this probably isn’t the best toothbrushing tone-up option for you. But otherwise, a gentle jog in place is a great way to wake up your body and give your heart a mini jog.

7. Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are beneficial for both men and women, and if you have weak pelvic floor muscles, it can affect the function of your bladder and bowel.

Identify where your pelvic floor muscles are by stopping urination mid-stream—these are the muscles used during Kegel exercise. Then, while you are brushing your teeth, tighten those muscles, hold it for at least three seconds and then release for three seconds. Focus on only tightening those muscles and not your abdomen or butt.

Small changes can have big results. Try these two-minute exercises every day and see what they can do for you.