Chair Workout for Medical Students: Get Fit While Studying!

Ari Horesh -

Hey, future doctors! We know you're swamped with endless hours of studying, clinical rotations, and exams. But that doesn't mean you can't stay fit and healthy. In this article, we'll introduce you to a series of chair workouts specifically designed for medical students who want to stay active without sacrificing precious study time. So, let's dive in and learn how to get fit while hitting the books!

1. Seated Marching

This simple yet effective exercise targets your core and hip flexors while improving your posture.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
  • Engage your core and lift one knee toward your chest, then lower it back down.
  • Alternate legs and continue marching for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

2. Chair Squats

Chair squats work your glutes, quads, and hamstrings without requiring much space.

How to do it:

Stand in front of your chair with your feet hip-width apart.

  • Lower your body down as if you were going to sit, but stop just before your rear touches the chair.
  • Push through your heels to stand back up, squeezing your glutes at the top.
  • Perform 10 to 15 reps for 3 sets, taking a 30-second break between sets.

3. Seated Leg Lifts

This exercise targets your lower abdominal muscles and helps with balance and stability.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your back straight and your hands gripping the sides of the seat.
  • Lift both legs off the ground, keeping your knees bent.
  • Straighten your legs out in front of you, then bring them back to the bent position.
  • Perform 10 to 15 reps for 3 sets, taking a 30-second break between sets.

4. Chair Dips

Chair dips work your triceps, shoulders, and chest muscles.

How to do it:

  • Position your hands on the edge of your chair, shoulder-width apart, with your fingers pointing forward.
  • Slide your rear off the chair with your legs extended in front of you.
  • Lower your body by bending your elbows to a 90-degree angle, then push back up to the starting position.
  • Perform 10 to 15 reps for 3 sets, taking a 30-second break between sets.

5. Seated Bicycle Crunches

This exercise engages your abs, obliques, and hip flexors while seated.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your back straight and your hands placed behind your head.
  • Lift your right knee toward your chest while twisting your upper body to bring your left elbow towards your right knee.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
  • Continue alternating sides for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

6. Chair Plank

This modified plank exercise targets your core, arms, and shoulders.

How to do it:

  • Place your hands on the edge of your chair, shoulder-width apart.
  • Step your feet back into a plank position, keeping your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
  • Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, focusing on maintaining a tight core.

7. Seated Calf Raises

Calf raises help to strengthen the muscles in your lower legs.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight.
  • Press down into the balls of your feet to lift your heels off the ground.
  • Slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
  • Perform 10 to 15 reps for 3 sets, taking a 30-second break between sets.

8. Seated Russian Twists

This exercise targets your obliques and helps improve overall core stability.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair, leaning back slightly with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
  • Clasp your hands together in front of your chest.
  • Twist your upper body to the right, then to the left, engaging your core throughout the movement.
  • Continue alternating sides for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

9. Chair Tap Dance

This fun and creative exercise gets your heart rate up and works your lower body.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your back straight and your hands on your hips.
  • Begin tapping your toes on the floor, alternating between your left and right foot.
  • Increase the speed of your tapping and add in heel taps
  • for variety.
  • Continue tap dancing for 1 to 2 minutes, taking breaks as needed.

10. Seated Arm Circles

This exercise targets your shoulders, biceps, and triceps.

How to do it:

  • Sit on the edge of your chair with your back straight and your arms extended to the sides at shoulder height.
  • Perform small clockwise circles with your arms for 30 seconds.
  • Reverse the direction, performing small counterclockwise circles for another 30 seconds.
  • To increase the difficulty, hold light dumbbells or water bottles in your hands while performing the arm circles.

Bonus Tip: Stretching and Posture

Don't forget to incorporate stretching exercises into your chair workout routine to maintain flexibility and prevent muscle tightness. Additionally, be mindful of your posture while studying to avoid unnecessary strain on your neck and back.

Now that you have a list of chair workouts for medical students, you can easily integrate exercise into your busy schedule. Remember, staying fit and healthy is essential for maintaining focus, energy, and overall well-being during your medical studies. So, grab a chair, start working out, and keep making strides towards your goal of becoming an amazing doctor!