Q: Can you recommend some moves for me to do (that don't require any gadgets) to get a thorough workout while I'm watching TV? —Carla, Chicago

A: Yes! Working out in front of the tube is a great way for you to watch your favorite shows without being a couch potato. Make room to move by pushing aside the coffee table, and then dive into the following six exercises — they train the major muscles of the body. You can do the moves once through from beginning to end (which will take about 10 minutes), or three times, circuit-style, with a short pause between exercises (this should perfectly coordinate with an episode of "30 Rock"). Sneakers are optional, and if you've got a carpeted floor, you won't need a mat.

Skier Squat

Strengthens the muscles of the legs, buttocks and lower back, plus it provides a small cardiovascular challenge
Starting Position: Stand with your feet parallel and approximately 4 to 6 inches apart. Keep your abdominals pulled in and your feet firmly on the ground.
Action: Hinge at your hips as if attempting to sit in an invisible chair. Sit as far back as you can, simultaneously reaching both arms forward to stay balanced, then go back up to standing and return your arms to your sides.
Perform a total of 20 repetitions at a steady, moderate pace.

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Forward Lunge

Strengthens the muscles of the legs, heats up the body and provides a subtle balance challenge
Starting Position: Stand with your feet parallel, approximately 4 to 6 inches apart, and your hands on your hips. Keep your abdominals pulled in; your feet should feel firm on the ground.
Action: With your right leg, take a giant step, approximately 3 feet, directly forward, allowing both knees to bend to about 90 degrees. The left knee should almost touch the floor. Push away from the floor with the right leg and return to the starting position. Perform the move again, leading with the left foot this time. Make sure to keep your torso upright throughout the exercise.
Perform a total of 20 repetitions, alternating legs.

Push-up

Tones the arm, chest and shoulder muscles
Starting Position: From a standing position, bend down and place the palms of your hands on the floor, directly underneath your shoulders. Then walk your feet back until your toes turn under. You're in "plank" position: Your core muscles should be engaged, your back straight and your hips in line with your spine.
Action: Lower your torso toward the floor by bending both elbows to about 90 degrees. Try to get your chin as close to the floor as possible without actually touching it. Then push your torso away from the floor, straightening the elbows.
*If you need to modify this exercise to make it easier, bend your knees and perform the push-up on hands and knees, rather than hands and toes.
Perform up to 10 repetitions at an even pace.

The Boxer

Tones the entire core: abdominals and lower back muscles
Starting Position: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet planted approximately 6 inches apart on the floor in front of you. Your torso should be rounded into the shape of the letter C. Put your dukes up by making two fists and bringing your hands up to eye level a few inches in front of you. Be careful not to shrug your shoulders.
Action: Exhale and jab the right arm left, across the body, twice, in a quick yet smooth motion. Inhale and return to center. Then jab the left hand right, twice, across the body. Inhale and return to center. This is one set.
Perform a total of 20 sets at a steady pace.

Reverse Plank

Tones the triceps and the core muscles
Starting Position: Sit upright on the floor with both legs extended straight out in front of you so you're forming an L with your body. Place the palms of your hands on the ground directly behind you, as close to you as possible, fingers pointing toward the body. Engage your core muscles and keep them engaged throughout the exercise.
Action: Inhale and lift the hips off the floor so you're forming a straight line with your body. Exhale and, with control, lower the hips back down to the floor. Your back, arms and legs should stay straight — the only "hinge" should be at the hips.
Perform one set of 15 repetitions at an even pace.

Leg Scissor

Tones the inner and outer thighs and stretches the hamstrings
Starting Position: Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up so you're forming a 90-degree angle at the hip. Your head should rest comfortably on the floor and your arms by your sides. Try to extend the legs as straight as possible, and point your toes.
Action: Concisely scissor the right leg over the left, forming a crisscross, then immediately scissor the left leg over the right, forming another crisscross. This is one set.
Perform a total of 20 quick sets.

Ellen Barrett is the author of three books and owns a fitness studio in New Haven, Connecticut. You can read more about her here.