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15 Lazy-Girl Ways to Exercise at Home

Get your sweat on without leaving the house.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 11, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Tessa_Benz_justmetessab3
justmetessab/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 11, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Fitness & Workouts

Recently, “lazy girl” workouts have been all the rage on social media. What is a lazy workout anyway? Tessa Benz, a social media influencer who specializes in lazy girl workouts, explains that “lazy girl” is “a person who listens to their body, unwilling to sacrifice their well-being for the perception of strength but instead chooses grace and love to honor their journey while simultaneously finding small yet substantial ways to grow in connection with oneself,” in one of her viral TikTok clips. It can also mean “a person who rejects exercise as a form of punishment and embraces movement as an opportunity to journey towards new levels of strength, discipline, perseverance, bravery, power, resilience, respect,” or “a person unwilling to work or use energy unnecessarily and positions themselves on their side rather than upright.” Here are 15 “lazy-friendly” ways you can exercise at home, according to experts and influencers.

Do This Lying Down Workout with Dumbbells

@justmetessab

Sometimes we feel lazy and unmotivated, and that’s okay. Exercise can be a good tool to help you feel connected and boost your energy. This is a perfect beginner workout routines for women you can do at home with a couple dumbbells. Girls, working out doesn’t have to be so complicated. Try this workout routine, listen to your body and if you like it, go to my bio, subscribe to my email list and keep an eye out for my Lazy Girl Workout calendar 😉 #lazygirlworkouts #lazygirl #lazygirlworkoutchallenge #lazygirlworkouttip #beginnerworkoutforwomen #beginnerworkoutroutine #beginnerworkoutprogram

Don’t feel like standing up? Benz suggests doing a light workout on the ground with a pair of dumbbells. Lying down, she demonstrates a few moves, including pullovers, bridge walks, butterfly crunches, chest presses, toe taps, and clamshells. She recommends 10 to 20 reps and 1 to 3 rounds.

Or, Stay in Bed and Do This Ab Workout

@nextlvlbody

7-min in Bed Ab Workout for Lazy Girls #workoutmotivation #fitnessmotivation #fittok #fyp

Don’t feel like getting out of bed? Using your mattress to do ab work will add a little resistance and keep you super comfy. This 7-minute in-bed ab workout includes a variety of exercises, like

Do This Glute Workout on the Floor

@justmetessab

Save this one to FIRE up the Glutes without leaving your side 👌🏽😉 I love incorporating this booty combo on my leg days but this is a perfect little something to do on a lazy day/rest day for that added toning and instant booty lift 🔥 #workoutideasforbeginners #workoutideasforwomen #workoutsformoms #workoutfromhome #workoutsforbusywomen #workoutforbusywomen #workoutideas #workoutsforbusymoms #lazygirlworkout #lazygirls #lazyday #bootyworkou

Benz shared a lazy but effective on-the-floor workout to “FIRE up the Glutes without leaving your side,” she writes in the TikTok post. “I love incorporating this booty combo on my leg days but this is a perfect little something to do on a lazy day/rest day for that added toning and instant booty lift.”

Do This Couch Workout While Watching TV

Sara Haley, American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer and instructor, tells Body Network that her “Tabata inspired” couch workouts can be done while watching TV. “It’s a great fat-burning workout using just your body weight and your couch!” she adds in an Instagram post, demonstrating the moves.

Power Up Your Nintendo

CLEETHORPES, UK – MARCH 1, 2017: The original Nintendo Wii consoleShutterstock

Did you know that you can play video games and burn calories? Wii Fit video games are the perfect way to get a light workout in, says Haley. From dancing and martial arts to walking workouts, Nintendo offers a variety of choices.

RELATED: I Lost 10 Pounds in 4 Weeks on the Carnivore Diet

Do Some Cozy Cardio

Sporty man training on walking treadmill and watching TV at homeShutterstock

“Cozy cardio” is another fitness trend worth checking out. “Walk/jog in place or use a walking pad whenever you watch TV,” suggests Haley.

Here’s a Bed Workout for When You Wake Up or Right Before Slumber

Haley is all about her bed workout. “Have a quick workout you do regularly when you get up or go to bed,” she says. One of the moves? Use the side of your bed to do push-ups.

Do Some Lazy Girl Pilates

@natalieroseuk

Lazy girl pilates is my fav for the weekend. Hit + for workouts & tips #pilatesring #lazygirlworkout #workouttips #foryou

“Lazy girl pilates is my fav for the weekend,” exclaims Natalie Roseuk in her viral video. “This magic circle Pilates variation will sculpt your inner thighs, strengthen your core & define your shoulders all in one.

Invest in a Mini Treadmill

@emmafituk_

cosy cardio >>>> this is your sign to romanticise movement🥰☁️🧘🏼‍♀️💗🧸 Put your favourite gym outfit/ pyjamas/ cosy clothes on, light some candles, make yourself a hot drink, put a feel good film on and do some movement in the comfort of your own home!! 🫶🏼 Cozy cardio is one example of a very much needed mindset shift: from thinking exercise always has to be sweating your ass off in the gym, getting your heart rate up in a busy gym with harsh lighting and loud music 👉🏼 to honouring that exercise can be whatever feels good to you! Exercise isn’t only good for building muscle/ burning calories it’s also such a good stress relief and endorphin boost!! It’s a form of self-care🥰 #hotgirlwalks are one of the bestttttt ways to increase your energy expenditure (walking is SO underrated for fat loss) but even if you don’t have a walking pad at home- you can create a similar vibe doing some yoga, Pilates, watching a YouTube workout / dance workout !! I’ve definitely been prioritising wellness over intensity and listening to my body more. Sometimes I just don’t fancy doing a heavy weight sesh but setting up a vibe like this 👆🏼 (watching the grinch, christmas tree up, candles, a hot drink and little Bella getting involved 🐱😭🫶🏼) means I’m still getting in my steps, I’m staying active but it’s also a fun cute and cosy activity which makes me feel good!!!! let me know if you’re getting in with the cosy cardio club 🤝🏼🧸💅🏼 #cosy #cosycardio #cardio #fyp #trend #homeworkout #cosyvibes #romanticiseyourlife #cosyhome #christmas #walkingpad #treadmill #cardioworkout #homeworkouts #selflove #selflovejourney #exerciseismedicine #fitnessmotivation #motivation #fitnessgirl #hometraining #onlinecoach #trainingtips #foryou #easyworkout

Lots of “cozy cardio” devotees swear by mini, portable treadmills. Move them around your house and get your steps in while watching television.

Do Family Fitness Challenges

Want to burn calories while spending quality time with the family? Haley recommends family fitness challenges. On her Instagram account, she offers five fun fitness challenges to do with your kids:

1️⃣ Who can hold a wall squat the longest

2️⃣ Who can jump rope for 30 seconds without missing

3️⃣ Who can do a handstand (then add straddling your legs, etc.)

4️⃣ Who can get off the floor without using their hands

5️⃣ Dance contest - who can make Mom laugh the most

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Eating Snacks

Invest in an Under-the-Desk Elliptical

Mini Stepper Elliptical home gym equipment. Ideal for weight loss and improving overall fitness.Shutterstock

No more using work as an excuse to skip your workout. Buy an under-desk elliptical, like the Cubii Move, a $199 portable machine that you can put under your desk.

Do Some Stair Sprints

Do you have stairs in your house? Get your heartbeat up and burn calories fast. “Run up the stairs or do a circuit between chores,” Halsey suggests.

Do This Desk Workout

@fitpie365

Reply to @koblizek_je_best PART2️⃣ 🤫 shhh…What’s next ⁉️🔽 #SilentWorkout #TahukahAnda #TiktokGuru #fitpie @chrisyiwen #FitnessGuru #officeWorkout #LazyWorkout #officeworkouts #fitTok #deskexercise #LegWorkout

Sitting at your desk all day? You can do these exercises while working in your home office. It includes leg lifts.

Game on the Mini Treadmill

@presettable

The Gaming + Cardio combo has my heart!🥹💚😍 - #cozycardio #treadmillgaming #fortnite #treadmillworkout #gamingcardio #gamergirl #exercise #gamingfitness #fortnitestreamer

Are you a gamer? Presh, a gamer, demonstrates how you can make the time go by so much faster by gaming while you get your steps in.

Jump, Jump

@open_everyday

#cozycardio #cozycardioclub

Jumping on a mini trampoline is a great workout. And you can do it while watching television. Adding a spring to your step can help you get into shape faster. A NASA study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology claims that rebounding exercise is 68 percent more efficient than jogging. As far as calories burned, a study by the American Council on Exercise found that mini trampoline workouts effectively burn an average of 12.4 calories per minute for men and 9.4 calories per minute for women. According to a 2016 in the Journal of Sport and Health Science trampoline jumping also helps with bone density and strength.

cardioworkout routineshome workoutswalkingweight loss

More For You

Fitness & Workouts

15 Lazy-Girl Ways to Exercise at Home

Tessa_Benz_justmetessab3
justmetessab/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 11, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Recently, “lazy girl” workouts have been all the rage on social media. What is a lazy workout anyway? Tessa Benz, a social media influencer who specializes in lazy girl workouts, explains that “lazy girl” is “a person who listens to their body, unwilling to sacrifice their well-being for the perception of strength but instead chooses grace and love to honor their journey while simultaneously finding small yet substantial ways to grow in connection with oneself,” in one of her viral TikTok clips. It can also mean “a person who rejects exercise as a form of punishment and embraces movement as an opportunity to journey towards new levels of strength, discipline, perseverance, bravery, power, resilience, respect,” or “a person unwilling to work or use energy unnecessarily and positions themselves on their side rather than upright.” Here are 15 “lazy-friendly” ways you can exercise at home, according to experts and influencers.

Do This Lying Down Workout with Dumbbells

@justmetessab

Sometimes we feel lazy and unmotivated, and that’s okay. Exercise can be a good tool to help you feel connected and boost your energy. This is a perfect beginner workout routines for women you can do at home with a couple dumbbells. Girls, working out doesn’t have to be so complicated. Try this workout routine, listen to your body and if you like it, go to my bio, subscribe to my email list and keep an eye out for my Lazy Girl Workout calendar 😉 #lazygirlworkouts #lazygirl #lazygirlworkoutchallenge #lazygirlworkouttip #beginnerworkoutforwomen #beginnerworkoutroutine #beginnerworkoutprogram

Don’t feel like standing up? Benz suggests doing a light workout on the ground with a pair of dumbbells. Lying down, she demonstrates a few moves, including pullovers, bridge walks, butterfly crunches, chest presses, toe taps, and clamshells. She recommends 10 to 20 reps and 1 to 3 rounds.

Or, Stay in Bed and Do This Ab Workout

@nextlvlbody

7-min in Bed Ab Workout for Lazy Girls #workoutmotivation #fitnessmotivation #fittok #fyp

Don’t feel like getting out of bed? Using your mattress to do ab work will add a little resistance and keep you super comfy. This 7-minute in-bed ab workout includes a variety of exercises, like

Do This Glute Workout on the Floor

@justmetessab

Save this one to FIRE up the Glutes without leaving your side 👌🏽😉 I love incorporating this booty combo on my leg days but this is a perfect little something to do on a lazy day/rest day for that added toning and instant booty lift 🔥 #workoutideasforbeginners #workoutideasforwomen #workoutsformoms #workoutfromhome #workoutsforbusywomen #workoutforbusywomen #workoutideas #workoutsforbusymoms #lazygirlworkout #lazygirls #lazyday #bootyworkou

Benz shared a lazy but effective on-the-floor workout to “FIRE up the Glutes without leaving your side,” she writes in the TikTok post. “I love incorporating this booty combo on my leg days but this is a perfect little something to do on a lazy day/rest day for that added toning and instant booty lift.”

Do This Couch Workout While Watching TV

Sara Haley, American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer and instructor, tells Body Network that her “Tabata inspired” couch workouts can be done while watching TV. “It’s a great fat-burning workout using just your body weight and your couch!” she adds in an Instagram post, demonstrating the moves.

Power Up Your Nintendo

CLEETHORPES, UK – MARCH 1, 2017: The original Nintendo Wii consoleShutterstock

Did you know that you can play video games and burn calories? Wii Fit video games are the perfect way to get a light workout in, says Haley. From dancing and martial arts to walking workouts, Nintendo offers a variety of choices.

RELATED: I Lost 10 Pounds in 4 Weeks on the Carnivore Diet

Do Some Cozy Cardio

Sporty man training on walking treadmill and watching TV at homeShutterstock

“Cozy cardio” is another fitness trend worth checking out. “Walk/jog in place or use a walking pad whenever you watch TV,” suggests Haley.

Here’s a Bed Workout for When You Wake Up or Right Before Slumber

Haley is all about her bed workout. “Have a quick workout you do regularly when you get up or go to bed,” she says. One of the moves? Use the side of your bed to do push-ups.

Do Some Lazy Girl Pilates

@natalieroseuk

Lazy girl pilates is my fav for the weekend. Hit + for workouts & tips #pilatesring #lazygirlworkout #workouttips #foryou

“Lazy girl pilates is my fav for the weekend,” exclaims Natalie Roseuk in her viral video. “This magic circle Pilates variation will sculpt your inner thighs, strengthen your core & define your shoulders all in one.

Invest in a Mini Treadmill

@emmafituk_

cosy cardio >>>> this is your sign to romanticise movement🥰☁️🧘🏼‍♀️💗🧸 Put your favourite gym outfit/ pyjamas/ cosy clothes on, light some candles, make yourself a hot drink, put a feel good film on and do some movement in the comfort of your own home!! 🫶🏼 Cozy cardio is one example of a very much needed mindset shift: from thinking exercise always has to be sweating your ass off in the gym, getting your heart rate up in a busy gym with harsh lighting and loud music 👉🏼 to honouring that exercise can be whatever feels good to you! Exercise isn’t only good for building muscle/ burning calories it’s also such a good stress relief and endorphin boost!! It’s a form of self-care🥰 #hotgirlwalks are one of the bestttttt ways to increase your energy expenditure (walking is SO underrated for fat loss) but even if you don’t have a walking pad at home- you can create a similar vibe doing some yoga, Pilates, watching a YouTube workout / dance workout !! I’ve definitely been prioritising wellness over intensity and listening to my body more. Sometimes I just don’t fancy doing a heavy weight sesh but setting up a vibe like this 👆🏼 (watching the grinch, christmas tree up, candles, a hot drink and little Bella getting involved 🐱😭🫶🏼) means I’m still getting in my steps, I’m staying active but it’s also a fun cute and cosy activity which makes me feel good!!!! let me know if you’re getting in with the cosy cardio club 🤝🏼🧸💅🏼 #cosy #cosycardio #cardio #fyp #trend #homeworkout #cosyvibes #romanticiseyourlife #cosyhome #christmas #walkingpad #treadmill #cardioworkout #homeworkouts #selflove #selflovejourney #exerciseismedicine #fitnessmotivation #motivation #fitnessgirl #hometraining #onlinecoach #trainingtips #foryou #easyworkout

Lots of “cozy cardio” devotees swear by mini, portable treadmills. Move them around your house and get your steps in while watching television.

Do Family Fitness Challenges

Want to burn calories while spending quality time with the family? Haley recommends family fitness challenges. On her Instagram account, she offers five fun fitness challenges to do with your kids:

1️⃣ Who can hold a wall squat the longest

2️⃣ Who can jump rope for 30 seconds without missing

3️⃣ Who can do a handstand (then add straddling your legs, etc.)

4️⃣ Who can get off the floor without using their hands

5️⃣ Dance contest - who can make Mom laugh the most

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Eating Snacks

Invest in an Under-the-Desk Elliptical

Mini Stepper Elliptical home gym equipment. Ideal for weight loss and improving overall fitness.Shutterstock

No more using work as an excuse to skip your workout. Buy an under-desk elliptical, like the Cubii Move, a $199 portable machine that you can put under your desk.

Do Some Stair Sprints

Do you have stairs in your house? Get your heartbeat up and burn calories fast. “Run up the stairs or do a circuit between chores,” Halsey suggests.

Do This Desk Workout

@fitpie365

Reply to @koblizek_je_best PART2️⃣ 🤫 shhh…What’s next ⁉️🔽 #SilentWorkout #TahukahAnda #TiktokGuru #fitpie @chrisyiwen #FitnessGuru #officeWorkout #LazyWorkout #officeworkouts #fitTok #deskexercise #LegWorkout

Sitting at your desk all day? You can do these exercises while working in your home office. It includes leg lifts.

Game on the Mini Treadmill

@presettable

The Gaming + Cardio combo has my heart!🥹💚😍 - #cozycardio #treadmillgaming #fortnite #treadmillworkout #gamingcardio #gamergirl #exercise #gamingfitness #fortnitestreamer

Are you a gamer? Presh, a gamer, demonstrates how you can make the time go by so much faster by gaming while you get your steps in.

Jump, Jump

@open_everyday

#cozycardio #cozycardioclub

Jumping on a mini trampoline is a great workout. And you can do it while watching television. Adding a spring to your step can help you get into shape faster. A NASA study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology claims that rebounding exercise is 68 percent more efficient than jogging. As far as calories burned, a study by the American Council on Exercise found that mini trampoline workouts effectively burn an average of 12.4 calories per minute for men and 9.4 calories per minute for women. According to a 2016 in the Journal of Sport and Health Science trampoline jumping also helps with bone density and strength.

Fitness & Workouts

She Transformed Her Body with These 4 “Lazy Girl” Weight Loss Hacks

Bilan_bilan_caliii2
Copyright bilan.caliii/TikTok
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 25, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight but don’t have a lot of time or energy to invest in it? Bilan (@bilan.caliii) is a social media influencer and law student who shares content on everything from study tips to weight loss hacks. In a recent viral video, she shares “some lazy girl weight loss hacks” that helped her slim down and lose weight. “These are tips that you guys could honestly start incorporating today,” she says.

Lazy Girl Hack 1: Walk

@bilan.caliii

The best things in life take time so no need to rush perfection. If you wanna lose the weight and keep it off it’s always better to start slowly and ease yourself into becoming the ideal version if yourself that you want to be 💕 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #selflove #lawofattraction #selflovejourney #glowup #weightloss #fatloss #fitness #gymtok

“Number one, if you are lazy like me when you start your weight loss journey, go for a walk and don't go to the gym on day one. Don't go lifting weights; don't do all of that,” she says in her post.

RELATED: This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever

Gym Workouts Can Come Later

Sporty woman exercising on multistation at gym for arm and shoulders muscles. Fitness exercising in gym.Shutterstock

“Just start going for a walk after you eat your food, especially once you have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Just go for a walk, get your steps up, get your body used to physical activity. It's the laziest thing. Don't bother going to the gym on the first day. Just get your steps in. Gym can come later,” she says.

Lazy Girl Hack 2: Carry a Water Bottle

Drinking water and staying hydrated. Person running in the park trying shoe next to bottle of water.Shutterstock

Her next hack has to do with hydration. “Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and make sure it's full to the brim. This baby comes with me everywhere. It's by my bedside. It's there when I wake up, when I go to sleep, when I go to the gym, when I go to uni. Fill up your water bottle and drink your water now,” she says.

There Are Lots of Health Benefits of Hydrating

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED: This Man Walked 13,000 Steps Daily and Lost 12 Pounds Without Changing His Diet

Lazy Girl Hack 3: Don’t Tell Everyone You Know

She also recommends resisting the urge to tell everyone about your weight loss. “I personally find the phrase making moves in silence to be very, very cringe. However, when it comes to your weight loss journey, you need to live and die by that phrase. Nobody should know that you are losing weight because as soon as you start telling people, ‘Oh my God, I'm starting a weight loss journey,’ they'll start saying, ‘Well done. Congrats.’ They're gonna start giving you compliments. They're gonna start giving you your flowers,” she says.

You Don’t Want Endorphins to Release Until After You Lose Weight

“However, you are going to start getting the endorphins that you should be getting once you've lost the weight. Now you're getting all those feel-good endorphins before you start your weight loss journey, and you're just going to revert straight back to laziness. That was the story of my life for so many years. Literally keep it to like two, three people max that you can trust,” she recommends.

Lazy Girl Hack 4: Modify Your Takeout Order

Fast food concept with greasy fried restaurant take out as onion rings burger and hot dogs with fried chicken french fries and pizza as a symbol of diet temptation resulting in unhealthy nutrition.Shutterstock

And you don’t have to quit ordering takeout, but you should change up your order. “Sometimes we fail to admit to ourselves that we're actually addicted to takeout and junk food. So, if you're trying to cut it out, don't go cold turkey. Just start having takeout; that may be a little bit healthier. For example, instead of having fried chicken, instead of having kebabs and all this kind of stuff that's fried, start having chicken from places that are grilled,” she says.

RELATED: Woman Quit Alcohol For 30 Days and These 8 Changes Stunned Her Doctors

Order Healthier Sides

And, when it comes to sides, order very carefully, she suggests, as some of your favorites are full of fat and calories with little nutritional value. “Just stay away from the fries, the rice, and all of that kind of stuff, the garlic bread,” she adds. “Have the broccoli, have the sweet corn, and call it a day. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Exercises You Can Do Without Leaving Your Desk

young blonde woman in eyeglasses happy with raised hands, happy, celebrate, celebration, office, fitness
Shutterstock
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 01, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio

We've all been there—hunched over a keyboard for hours, back aching, shoulders tight. What if you could sneak in a workout without leaving your desk? According to Dani P. Johnson, a wellness physical therapist with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, brief exercise breaks can boost your productivity and provide effective resistance training. Try these five simple moves throughout your day to keep your body happy and your mind sharp.

1. Chair Pushups

Side view of an active young woman wearing sportswear doing push ups with the help of a chair at home

Shutterstock

No need to drop to the floor for these pushups. Sit on a sturdy chair with armrests, place your hands on the armrests, and keep your shoulders relaxed. Engage your core, then push yourself up slightly off the seat using your arms. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat. This move works your triceps and shoulders while giving you a break from sitting.

Try for: 8-12 repetitions, 2-3 sets.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

2. Desk Pushups

Side View Of A Young Businesswoman Doing Push Up On Office Desk

Shutterstock

Ready to level up? "Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of your desk. Walk your feet back, shifting your weight onto your toes. Lower your chest toward the desk, then push back up to the starting position," recommends physical therapist and athletic trainer Dr. Eric Moogerfeld, DPT, through Cleveland Clinic. Just make sure your desk is stable enough to support your weight!

Try for: 8-10 repetitions, 2 sets.

3. Chair Squats

Young beautiful fitness girl exercising with chair in gym, chair squats

Shutterstock

Let's get those legs working! "Sit toward the front of a sturdy chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Rest your hands lightly on the seat or cross them over your chest. Slowly stand up, using your hands as little as possible. Pause, then slowly sit back down without collapsing into the chair," recommends the CDC's STEADI program.

Try for: 10-12 repetitions, 2 sets.

RELATED:5-Minute Walking Workouts for Women Over 40 to Burn Fat at Home

4. Toe Raises

Yoga Workout In Office Behind Business Computer. Gymnastics And Leg Training

Shutterstock

Don't forget about your calves! Cleveland Clinic notes that "your calves help you run, walk, jump, and balance. Calf raises strengthen them." Start by doing these while sitting. As you build strength, try standing behind your chair for support.

Try for: 15-20 repetitions, 2-3 sets.

5. Sidekicks

The beauty lady is wearing exercise suit,standing beside wooden chair,putleft hand touch the chair,put right hand to akimbo,raise right leg up in the air,basic pattern for exercise

Shutterstock

Finally, strengthen those hips! Stand behind your chair for balance, then lift one leg out to the side while keeping your body upright. Keep the movement controlled (no swinging!), then lower it back down slowly. Repeat with the other leg. This exercise improves both strength and balance.

Try for: 8-10 repetitions per side, 2 sets.

Why These Quick Moves Matter

Fit businesswoman doing stretching exercises on a wooden office table while working on her laptop computerShutterstock

These five-minute exercise breaks add up to big benefits over time. "If you do that four or five times throughout the day, you've really gathered a great deal of resistance training and body weight exercises spread out throughout your day," explains Johnson. "So it makes it a little more doable if you're not able to get to the gym."

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

The Long-Term Payoff

Rear View Of Woman Working From Home On Computer In Home Office Stretching At DeskShutterstock

Dr. Nathan LeBrasseur, Director of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging at Mayo Clinic, stresses that consistency is key: "Just adding 30 minutes of activity daily can be beneficial. It may have benefits for muscle strength, bone health, or even cognitive health and function." Try setting calendar reminders every 90 minutes as your cue to stand up and move—even the most dedicated workers can spare two minutes for their health.

Small Habits, Big Results

Young businessman laughing while walking in a modern office carrying a laptop with colleagues at work in the backgroundShutterstock

"Many studies show that exercise can mitigate virtually every one of the effects of aging, including loss of lean muscle mass and increased fall risk. These little things really work if done regularly—you're going to reap magical benefits," says professor of physical medicine and rehabilitationDr. Edward Laskowski. Consider pairing these exercises with other daily habits—like doing chair pushups while waiting for your computer to boot up or toe raises during conference calls—to make them second nature.

So next time you feel that afternoon slump coming on, try a few desk exercises instead of reaching for another coffee. Your body will thank you today, and your future self will thank you even more. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

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Britany Williams Shares 10-Minute, Zero Equipment Beginner Workout

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britanywilliams/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 05, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Britany Williams is a personal trainer and influencer whose workouts are featured on the Sweat app. She regularly shares mini workouts via her Instagram account, many of which can be done without any equipment and in the comfort of your own home. She recently shared a quick but effective routine for beginners. “Need a no fuss QUICK workout? Try this 10 minute workout with no equipment needed from my new program The Daily 10 Challenge in the @sweat app 🎉” she captioned the series of clips, which demonstrate each of the exercises. Here is everything you need to know about the workout and all of her other diet and fitness tips.

No Equipment Needed

She recommends 5 exercises, doing each for 30 seconds, and completing 3 rounds of the set. “This workout targets your shoulders, core, quads and glutes - no equipment needed,” she explains.

  • Bird Dog
  • Supine March
  • Shoulder Cars
  • Glute Bridge
  • Lunge

Eat Foods That Make You Happy

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

In a TikTok clip, Britany encourages her followers to change the way they eat. “Often we leave off the foods that give us joy when building our plate. When in reality, what if we started there? What if when you were building your meal plan or your diet or your whatever it is, what if you started your meal plan with keeping in the foods that make you happy and then you had to build around that? What on my plate today supports my nutrition and supports my goals, but what also supports my joy?” she says.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With This Walking Routine

Work Your Upper Body When You Are Unmotivated to Work Out

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“If you're the kind of girly who's motivated most days to workout, but then there's that one to two days a week that you just struggle with, save your upper body workouts for those days,” she suggests. “Mentally, there is something easier about standing still and just moving weight around with your arms and upper body than there is about having to lower your entire torso down into a squat or a lunge and getting back up. Zero percent backed by science, but a hundred percent backed by my own personal experience.”

Run More with These 5 Tips

Tired,Runner,Rest,Running,recover,jogging,exerciseShutterstock

In a TikTok video, Britany unveiled “five realistic tips to make it a little easier” to go running. “Number one, sometimes run without your watch. Get used to how your body feels without always worrying about pace. Number two, a quick warmup is a game changer before longer runs, especially if you run in the morning. Number three, if you're a beginner, take breaks. Alternate walking and running for one minute intervals, increasing the length of the run interval every couple of weeks. Number four, get the right shoes. I get new shoes every 400 miles or so, and my knees thank me every time. And number five, realize every step forward, whether it be for five minutes or for an hour, is a step forward in your goals.”

Related: #1 Best Breakfast for Proteins According to Dietitian Who Lost 100 Pounds

How to Do a Push Up If You Struggle

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Britany admits that she has “struggled with pushups for years” and offers a tip on how to make them easier. “The idea of doing pushups on your toes was just never approachable for you. You need to elevate your hands on a chair. The higher your hands are relative to your feet, the easier it's going to be and it's going to be so helpful,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try and do at least a 10-minute workout every day for a week and then ask yourself how you feel. You will likely be motivated to do longer workouts the next week. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

10-Minute Full Body Workout for Losing Weight, According to Britany Williams

britany-williams-5
britanywilliams/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 08, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

You don’t need to spend an hour at the gym to get a good workout in. According to Britany Williams, a Sweat trainer and social media influencer, it all takes 10 minutes. She recently shared a new workout via Instagram that can be completed fast and at home. Here is everything you need to know about the workout – and 8 of the trainer’s top diet and fitness tips.

All You Need Is a Resistance Band

Resistance band exercise at home. Woman doing pilates workout using elastic strap pulling with arms for shoulder training on yoga mat indoors.Shutterstock

“Short on time? This FULL BODY workout using a resistance band is exactly what you need. This workout is from my new Core and Restore workout program that helps minimize core dysfunction and improve posture alignment,” Williams writes in the post.

Here Is the Circuit

britany-williams-2britanywilliams/Instagram

“Do each exercise for 30 seconds on each side and repeat the circuit 2x. Minimize rest between exercises,” she adds, revealing the workout.

EXERCISES ⬇️

▪️ Squat + Straight Arm Kickback

▪️ Kneeling Single Arm Row

▪️ Kneeling Chest Press

▪️ Pallof Press

▪️ Rotational Kickstand Deadlift

Eat Food That Supports Your Goals, Nutrition, and Joy

Fitness,Breakfast,running,healthy,eating,saladShutterstock

In a TikTok video, Britany explains her approach to diet. “Often, we leave off the foods that give us joy when building our plate. When, in reality, what if we started there? What if when you were building your meal plan or your diet or whatever it is, you started your meal plan by keeping in the foods that make you happy, and then you had to build around that? What on my plate today supports my nutrition and goals, but what also supports my joy?” she says.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

Save Upper Body Workouts for Lazy Days

Beautiful blonde middle age woman doing weights exercises with dumbbells outdoors, sunny summer evening. Healthy active lifestyle, body consciousShutterstock

Britany recommends a hack for lazy workout days. “If you're the kind of girly who's motivated most days to workout, but then there's that one to two days a week that you just struggle with, save your upper body workouts for those days,” she suggests. “Mentally, there is something easier about standing still and just moving weight around with your arms and upper body than there is about having to lower your entire torso down into a squat or a lunge and getting back up. Zero percent backed by science, but a hundred percent backed by my own personal experience.”

Run

Sport watch run woman checking smartwatch tracker. Trail running runner girl looking at heart rate monitor smart watch in forest wearing jacket sportswear. Female athlete jogger training in woods.Shutterstock

Running — great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss, per the Mayo Clinic — is one of Britany’s favorite workouts. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say. If you can’t go for a long run, she recommends alternating walking and running for one-minute intervals, increasing the length of the run interval every couple of weeks.

Do Push Ups

Gorgeous brunette warming up and doing some push ups a the gymShutterstock

Britany has “struggled with pushups for years” but claims to know the secret to getting them done. “The idea of doing pushups on your toes was just never approachable for you. You need to elevate your hands on a chair. The higher your hands are relative to your feet, the easier it's going to be, and it's going to be so helpful,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Show Up for Workouts When You Can

Workout,Training,Exercise,Plan,And,Daily,ScheduleShutterstock

As a new mom, Britany always reminds her followers to go easy on themselves. “I went from working out six days a week religiously to having more days where I don’t work out than days that I do. 🫠I share this not as a get-out-of-jail-free card - I don’t want you to skip your workout. I share this so you know that it’s normal to have seasons of life where workouts are sporadic and short. You’ve just gotta focus on showing up when you can,” she writes.

Be Yourself

britany-williams-1britanywilliams/Instagram

Britany revealed to Sweat her number one piece of advice. “To be yourself,” she said. “As someone who is in the social media space, I find it really easy to want to fall into line with other people. It was the same thing when I had a corporate job - it was really easy to do what I thought was wanted of me or what was going to get me a promotion. But I’ve always found that results are much better when you just show up as you.”

Chocolate Ice Cream

Top view Close up Stainless steel ice cream scoop is scooping chocolate flavor ice cream meat.Shutterstock

If Britany could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “It would most likely be chocolate ice cream. No, I take that back. It’s going to be chocolate chip cookies, but they would be really specific cookies. My husband makes these chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal, pecans or walnuts, cinnamon, really big chocolate chunks, and some sea salt on top. This restaurant down the street from where I live put rosemary in their chocolate chip cookies, so let’s add that, too,” she told Sweat.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Do Her Favorite Exercise

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If Britany could only do one exercise for the rest of her life, what would it be? “It would probably be a thruster - a squat and press with dumbbells in my hands. It’s full-body. It gets your heart rate up… Wait, scratch that as well. If I could only do one exercise, I would definitely run. My knees would hate me, but so be it,” she told Sweat.

💪🔥Body Booster: Run for better health and weight loss. Can't run long? No problem! Try alternating 1-minute walks and runs. Gradually increase your running time every few weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

116-Pound Ozempic Weight Loss: 7 Key Mistakes

Brittany Ainsworth britts_getting_fit_
She Lost 115 Pounds on Ozempic After Experiencing These 8 Surprising Side Effects
Copyright britts_getting_fit_/Instagram
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 08, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you standing in your own way of losing weight on a GLP-1 weight loss drug? Brittany Ainsworth is a weight loss warrior who has dropped 116 pounds on a weight loss drug. In a new social media post, she reveals a few mistakes people make while on them, which prevent them from losing weight. “7 surefire ways to derail your Ozempic/Mounjaro, GLP-1 journey. Speaking from experience as someone down 116 pounds on one so far.”

Overeating

If you are eating the same amount of food while on a weight loss drug, it will prevent you from dropping pounds. “Relying solely on Ozempic while continuing to overeat with the assumption that the medication will handle everything can seriously stall your progress,” she says.

Skipping Meals

Alternately, if you miss meals, it will have repercussions. “Skipping meals or drastically undereating may seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss, but it can actually slow your metabolism and leave you feeling fatigued and unmotivated,” she says.

Not Exercising

Failing to exercise is another common mistake. “Avoiding regular physical activity limits the overall effectiveness of Ozempic, as exercise plays a crucial role in weight management and metabolic health,” she writes.

Not Following Directions

Make sure to follow directions. “Disregarding our healthcare provider’s instructions—such as skipping doses, missing follow-ups, or adjusting the medication on your own—can lead to poor results and unwanted side effects,” she adds.

Not Eating the Right Food

Not eating healthy food can also derail your progress. “Consuming too many processed or high-sugar foods can overwhelm your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and diminish the appetite-control benefits of Ozempic,” she says.

Drinking Alcohol

You might want to put down the botte. “Drinking alcohol excessively not only affects blood sugar balance but can also lead to impulsive eating and poor dietary decisions,” she says.

Not Being Patient

The last way to derail your weight loss experience? “Expecting instant results from Ozempic can set you up for disappointment, making it more tempting to quit before the medication has had time to work effectively,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Nutrition & Diet

9 Foods That Trigger the Ozempic Effect Naturally, According to a Nutrition Coach

Dr. Becky Gillaspy
7 Tips for Losing Weight After Age 50
Copyright Dr. Becky Gillaspy/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss solutions on the market. While effective, it comes with a hefty price tag and potential side effects that many find uncomfortable. But what if you could trigger similar weight-loss benefits naturally through your diet? Dr. Becky Gillaspy, with over 24 years of experience teaching college courses from Anatomy to Nutrition and certified as a health and wellness coach, offers a compelling alternative. Read on to discover how specific foods can naturally boost the same hormone that Ozempic mimics—without the injections or side effects.

Understanding How Ozempic Works

Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), Dr. Becky explains in her post. "GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine in response to food intake," she notes. This important hormone helps bring down your blood sugar after meals and increases feelings of fullness. By acting as what scientists call an "agonist," Ozempic essentially tricks your body into thinking there's more GLP-1 present than there actually is.


RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Body Already Makes This Weight-Loss Hormone

Eating and drinking image of a young woman eating mixed nuts​Metabolic ImprovementsShutterstock

The good news is that your body naturally produces GLP-1 after you eat, according to Dr. Becky. "Its responsibility is to help bring your blood sugar level back down after the meal and ensure you feel full," she explains. This means you can strategically choose foods that enhance your body's natural GLP-1 production. The hormone offers three key benefits: it triggers a robust insulin response, slows digestion, and increases fullness—all contributing to better blood sugar control and weight management.

Start Your Day With Yogurt

Healthy Greek yogurt bowl with fresh berry​Breakfast Bowls: Berry Yogurt Power BowlShutterstock

Beginning your day with yogurt can naturally boost your GLP-1 levels, Dr. Becky advises. "The prebiotics and probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt can enhance gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a role in GLP-1 secretion," she says. As a fermented food containing both protein and calcium, yogurt offers a powerful combination for stimulating this important hormone. The protein triggers GLP-1 release as your body metabolizes amino acids, while calcium enhances this process for an even stronger effect.

Choose Your Yogurt Wisely

Greek,Yogurt,I,Bowl,Spoons,food,dairy,dietEating Too Little at a Time​Shutterstock

When selecting yogurt at the grocery store, Dr. Becky recommends avoiding low-fat varieties with added sugar. "Added sugar spikes your blood sugar," she cautions. Instead, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt (higher in protein) or regular yogurt (higher in calcium). Either way, you're getting the benefits of fermentation plus that powerful protein-calcium combination. For flavor without the sugar spike, add berries to your yogurt for natural sweetness and additional health benefits.


RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Boost Your Breakfast With Berries

Fresh Berries at the Farmers Market​BerriesShutterstock

Adding berries to your morning yogurt doesn't just make it taste better—it actually enhances its GLP-1-boosting effects. "By stirring in some sweetness in the berries, you boost the meal's polyphenol content, giving yourself a third GLP-1 advantage," explains Dr. Becky. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that give colorful plants their vibrant hues, and they positively influence gut microbiota, supporting GLP-1 production. This is why eating a "rainbow" of foods each day can be so beneficial for your health and weight management goals.

Don't Forget Your Daily Coffee or Tea

Woman drinking coffee in the sun, outdoor in sunlight light, enjoying her morning coffee.​CoffeeShutterstock

Good news for coffee and tea lovers—these beverages contain polyphenols that can help boost GLP-1 production. "Polyphenols are also found in coffee and green tea, so feel free to enjoy a cup or two with your yogurt," Dr. Becky suggests. This means your morning ritual might already be supporting your natural weight management efforts. The polyphenols in these beverages work similarly to those in colorful fruits and vegetables, positively affecting your gut microbiome and enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Make a Daily Salad Your Secret Weapon

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesChoosing Salad Over Steak​Shutterstock

A daily salad is one of the most powerful tools in your natural GLP-1-boosting arsenal, according to Dr. Becky. "Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and tomatoes are going to build on your polyphenol intake for the day and also provide fiber," she explains. This fiber not only slows digestion but also feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids that stimulate GLP-1 release. Plus, the volume of vegetables physically stretches your stomach, activating receptors that signal fullness to your brain.

Top Your Salad Strategically

Healthy Salad - spinach baby leaves and boiled eggs cut in a half on wooden table.Shutterstock

The toppings you choose for your salad can significantly enhance its GLP-1-boosting power. "Load up your salad with protein and healthy fats such as meat, salmon, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, and an olive oil-based dressing," recommends Dr. Becky. While she's already discussed the benefits of protein for GLP-1 production, healthy fats provide additional advantages. These fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that slows stomach emptying and enhances digestion, keeping you fuller longer.

Design Your Dinner for Sustained Fullness

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole FoodsShutterstock

To maintain elevated GLP-1 levels throughout the evening, Dr. Becky suggests structuring your dinner around non-starchy vegetables and protein. "Serve a healthy portion of non-starchy vegetables alongside a protein-rich entree like meat, chicken, or fish," she advises. This combination creates a meal that digests slowly, producing a steady blood sugar response that helps you avoid evening snacking. Including healthy cooking fats like butter, avocado oil, or high-quality olive oil adds to the meal's satisfaction factor.

Why Timing Matters for GLP-1 Production

Smart watch on the woman's hand​It's Now Part Of My LifeShutterstock

The timing of your meals can impact your natural GLP-1 production and weight loss results. "Eating too close to bedtime elevates blood sugar and insulin overnight, blocking fat loss," warns Dr. Becky. This means that allowing several hours between your dinner and bedtime can enhance your body's natural fat-burning potential. A well-timed, GLP-1-promoting dinner helps you move comfortably through the evening without the urge to snack, supporting your weight management goals even while you sleep.

The Mediterranean Keto Connection

Food products representing the Mediterranean diet which may improve overall health status​Natural Booster #7: Mediterranean DietShutterstock

Many of the GLP-1-boosting foods highlighted by Dr. Becky come from the Mediterranean Keto approach. "The foods I highlighted in this video are from my Mediterranean Keto Cookbook," she mentions. This eating style emphasizes fermented foods, protein paired with calcium, polyphenol-rich plants, fiber, and healthy fats—all key nutrients for enhancing your body's natural GLP-1 production. By following this approach, you can experience improved hunger satisfaction while potentially achieving similar benefits to GLP-1 medications without the cost or side effects.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Simple Daily Habits for Natural Weight Control

Young,Woman,Eating,Salad,Organic,Vegetables,happy,eating,food​Track MacrosShutterstock

Dr. Becky recommends incorporating her "0123 strategy" into your daily routine for enhanced weight management. This approach outlines four daily habits that support weight loss naturally, including the daily salad she discussed for GLP-1 production. By focusing on these simple, sustainable practices rather than restrictive dieting, you can create an eating pattern that naturally enhances your body's GLP-1 production. These habits work with your body's natural systems rather than fighting against them, making weight management more comfortable and sustainable. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 225 Pounds with Mounjaro and Reveals the Truth About GLP-1 Meds

Carolin Tyler RNY carolin_rny
Copyright carolin_rny/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMay 08, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Weight loss journeys rarely follow a straight path. Carolyn (@carolyrny) knows this firsthand, having lost an impressive 225 pounds through a combination of gastric bypass surgery and GLP-1 medication. At 28 years old and standing 5'7", she's transformed from 401.6 pounds to 125 pounds today. "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery," Carolyn shares. Through her YouTube channel, she documents her health journey to help others facing similar challenges. Discover the unfiltered reality of GLP-1 medications that most doctors won't tell you about.

Your First Steps With GLP-1 Medications

"I started Monjaro back in September of 2022. I had heard about it that summer," Carolyn explains in her post. Her timing proved fortunate: "I was very lucky and downloaded the savings coupon in August of 2022, when the terms and conditions were still allowing people to get the medication when it wasn't covered by insurance at only $25 a month."

Like most patients, she began at the lowest dose. "I started at the lowest dose, 2.5 milligrams, and I was on that dose for just one month. That's the loading dose. It's kind of a way for your body to get adjusted to the medication." For medical supervision, Carolyn chose a virtual option: "I use the Weight Watchers Clinic. I have used them from the start with my GLP-1 medication journey."

Finding Your Ideal Dosage

"I moved up to the five milligram dose. And I was at five milligrams, I wanna say for three or four months," Carolyn shares. Her experience at this level was positive: "I had really, really great results with five milligram. And had it not been for the medication shortages at the time, I think I would have stayed and should have stayed at the five milligram, just because I was losing."

She emphasizes an important principle: "If you're still losing at a good rate, you really shouldn't need to go up in dose." Unfortunately, circumstances forced changes: "Because of the shortages and the mess that that was, I had to move up to the 7.5 dose because that was what was available."

Navigating Medication Shortages and Insurance Hurdles

"The savings card ran out in June of 2023, but I had started sort of stockpiling, and I was only taking the medication every two weeks," Carolyn reveals. The timeline became complicated: "In September of 2023, somehow my insurance covered Monjaro without a prior authorization. And I was able to get a three-month supply."

This didn't last: "The beginning of this year in 2024, I started, you know, I needed a prior authorization for Monjaro. And I ran out of the medication at the end of December." Persistence eventually paid off: "I put in prior authorizations for Monjaro, Saxenda, Trulicity, Ozempic, Wigovi, and they were all denied. I finally was able to get Ozempic."

Later came better news: "ZepBound, which is the same medication as Monjaro, it's just FDA approved for weight loss... I have a prior authorization approval for ZepBound until January of next year, which is great."

Managing Potential Side Effects

"Initially starting out the medication, I experienced headaches and insomnia. Mainly insomnia with the five milligram dose," Carolyn reveals. The sleep disturbances were striking: "I would wake up at like three or four in the morning and feel wide awake. Wide awake. It was the craziest thing." Fortunately, this wasn't permanent: "But I think as I got used to being on the medication, that subsided and I don't experience insomnia anymore."

Other side effects varied by dosage: "I experienced the most amount of nausea on the 7.5 milligram dose. That for some reason, that dosage, I don't know. I just experienced nausea on it to the point where I asked my doctor for Zofran." Looking back, she considers herself fortunate: "I've been very, very lucky with side effects. And I know that's not the case for everyone."

Comparing Different GLP-1 Medications

When it comes to different GLP-1 options, Carolyn has clear preferences. "A lot of people ask me what I thought was more effective or what I liked better, Manjaro or Ozempic. And I preferred Manjaro," she states. She backs this with her understanding of research: "I think the studies show that terzapotide is much more an effective GLP-1 agonist. And I definitely experienced that."

Her experience switching medications wasn't ideal: "When I was on Ozempic for a few months earlier this year, my weight slowly, slowly started to creep up, which was very difficult. And it just felt like I was more inflamed and it felt like I was back in that place of struggling to keep my weight off." The difference was noticeable when she returned to her preferred medication: "Now back on terzapotide, I feel much better and I'm very happy about it to be on ZepBound for the next however long."

Tracking Your Results Realistically

"I started my GLP-1 journey at 230 pounds even. And today I'm sitting at 180. So I've lost a total of 50 pounds," Carolyn shares. She's experienced some fluctuation: "My lowest I've gotten down to is 175. I was 175 back in November of last year when I was taking the 12.5 milligram of Monjaro." Her upcoming wedding influenced recent choices: "I didn't wanna lose more because of my wedding dress."

She reflects on her current state: "I'm very happy here at 180. I think I look really good. I feel really good at this weight." Like many, she considers future goals: "I've always had in my head the number 170 to get down to, and I don't know, 170, 160, I don't know. I'm kind of in that like, do I attempt, do I try, or do I just kind of be happy where I am and focus on getting plastic surgery next year, hopefully."

Combining GLP-1 With Proper Nutrition

"I like to have a protein shake in the morning just to get in a good amount of protein before I start my day," Carolyn explains. She sees clear benefits from this approach: "It's really helped me on my GLP-1 journey because you really wanna focus on protein to build muscle. It helps so, so much, not only with maintaining your muscle mass, but also I've noticed it helps just make sure that I'm full a lot longer."

The strategic focus on protein serves multiple purposes: "By prioritizing protein, I'm less tempted to like grab, you know, sweet treats or things like that that don't always serve me best when I'm trying to lose weight." She emphasizes this nutrient above others: "My GLP-1 journey has been over the past almost two years, and I have really made sure to focus on protein. It's really the most important macronutrient when you're on a GLP-1 journey or a weight loss journey."

Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine

Even with medication, lifestyle changes remain crucial. "I still diet and exercise. I still am very mindful of my diet and I work out. And those things are very important to me," Carolyn emphasizes. She connects this to her broader transformation: "I totally, totally altered my whole life when I had gastric bypass surgery."

The medication doesn't replace these foundational habits: "Those things work hand in hand. It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work. It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work."

Planning for Pregnancy While on GLP-1

Family planning affects medication decisions. "We're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years," Carolyn shares. This timeline shapes her GLP-1 strategy: "So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there, and then eventually come off of it completely to get pregnant. You can't be on it when you're pregnant."

She's practical about the future: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will." This approach aligns with her understanding of obesity treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that."

Treating Obesity as a Chronic Condition

"My obesity is a chronic illness, and these medications are revolutionary," Carolyn affirms. "They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." She compares this to other health conditions she manages: "I have other chronic illnesses. I have psoriasis that I take an injection for four times a year. I have hypothyroidism that I take medication for every single day."

This perspective shapes her approach to long-term treatment: "I went into this knowing this was a long-term solution, that it was a long-term medication for maintenance, and I'm perfectly okay with that. That doesn't bother me."

She sees GLP-1 medications as valuable additions to surgical options: "Bariatric surgery is still the number one treatment that we have with studies and stuff. You're going to lose the most amount of weight and keep it off with that. But these medications are such great adjunct treatments for people like me who never got down to the weight they wanted to, or who struggled to just stay where they are."

Creating Your Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Long-term planning is essential for sustained success. When asked about staying on medication, Carolyn explains: "Do I plan to stay on it long-term? Like, what are the long-term effects? Do you gain weight back? Statistically, you do gain some weight back if you go off of it, cold turkey, I think, but you're supposed to wean down and wean off of it."

She's already considering her future approach: "My plan, so we're getting married, and we are hoping to start having kids in about two or three years. So over the next two or three years, I'm probably going to work my way down in dosage and figure out a good spot there." She remains flexible about post-pregnancy treatment: "I am not opposed to getting back on it after having kids. If I need to, if I feel like I need to get back on it after kids, I will."

Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers

Broader issues affect many GLP-1 users. "The biggest issue we have is accessibility. Insurance coverage, which I have struggled with, and just being able to get them. There are so many shortages right now," Carolyn points out. She envisions positive change: "I hope that over time, in the next five years, I really hope we see a huge shift in how not only the accessibility, but also the stigma towards people who struggle with obesity and who live in larger bodies and who want help and who want to lose weight or want to be healthier."

This includes changing perceptions: "That that stigma changes from, well, they're just lazy and fat to, no, they have an illness, they have a disease that's preventing them from being compliant with the diet and exercise." Her enthusiasm for these medications is evident: "I'm a huge, huge advocate for these medications."

The Reality Check: GLP-1 Is a Tool, Not Magic

"It's not, you take this medication and the weight magically falls off, quite the, you have to put in the work," Carolyn emphasizes. She draws a parallel to bariatric surgery: "It's the same with bariatric surgery. It's only a tool. And the only way to work, to get it to work, is if you put in the work." Beyond physical changes, she values the mental benefits: "It has helped so much with the food noise to the point where I don't feel like I'm obsessing about food or feeling consumed by thoughts of it. It feels very manageable to live my life on a day-to-day basis."

For Carolyn, this psychological relief outweighs even the weight loss: "Honestly, if I never lost another pound, or if I never lost a pound to begin with, I would stay on this medication." Her perspective is both realistic and hopeful: "These medications are revolutionary. They are truly, have changed the game when it comes to treating obesity." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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