My new phone books arrived yesterday.
And while I did not get nearly as excited as The Jerk, it did beg the question: Do we really need phone books anymore?!
I think phone books are perfectly acceptable to keep around if you really need a spare booster chair for a small child or if you don’t have access to the world wide web, which you do or you wouldn’t be reading Fitness & Spice.
Anywho, before you Sprint to your recycle bin, here is a quick workout you can do using your phone book as your equipment. I think calling this workout Circuit Training has a good ring to it, don’t you? Let’s start dialing it in with…
- Push ups. 1 hand on the book and one on the floor.
- Single arm front and side raises. Hold the book in one hand and lift straight in front of you and then out to the side.
- Overhead Front lunges. Hold the phone book overhead and let your feet do the walking.
- Bicep curls. Keep your phone book in the handy bag it was delivered in or toss it in a grocery bag with handles and start curling. Add canned goods to your bag if want to get even cornier.
- Ski jumps. Put the phone book on the floor and preform lateral jumps over your directory.
- Front squats. Squat down while hugging your yellow-book to your chest (before you kiss it goodbye).
Now I really must go hit the gym, the recycle bin, and then call it a day!


Miz says:
August 11th 2010LOVE THIS AND (waitforit) wheres our video of YOU?
Angela @ A Healthy Fit says:
August 11th 2010Oh, The Jerk, one of my favorite movies!! Love the phone book circuit. I think we have about 5 outside of my apartment right now.
lindsay says:
August 11th 2010haha, we just got a new phone book at our door today. Now I know what other uses can come from it.
p.s. That one of my favorite movies!!
The Candid RD says:
August 11th 2010It’s so true, we DON’T need phone books!! This clip was so funny. I haven’t seen this movie in so long! But really, now phone books are useless, yet we seem to get new one about once every three months, and it’s SUCH a waste! Even when I was growing up we used our phone books pretty rarely, and used them more often as a booster seat. I love your phone book workout options!!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
August 11th 2010Lol, I LOVE this use for phonebooks!!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
August 11th 2010So that’s what those big fat books are. Kidding. But really, who would have thought they’d still be around. Doesn’t everyone use the Internet? I guess they come in handy as booster seats for short adults.
Marisa @Loser for Life says:
August 11th 2010Hahaha! Great use for those old yellers ;)
amanda says:
August 11th 2010Yeah my phone book is the internet. ha ha
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
August 11th 2010LOVE these suggestions! I guess I will not throw those babies out yet!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says:
August 11th 2010Love the new uses for a phone book!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says:
August 11th 2010Have you weighed your phone book? I wonder how heavy it is.
Cristina says:
August 11th 2010You crack me up! I love to read everything you have o share :) Thanks!
..a fan
tanyas daily says:
August 11th 2010they are huge….I don’t use them
Fit Chick in the City says:
August 11th 2010Love the workout!
Naomi(oneFF) says:
August 11th 2010haha love this suggestion!
Deb says:
August 11th 2010My phone book is great for putting my feet on while I work at my computer!
FatFighterTV says:
August 11th 2010Ah, now that’s how you put those things to good use! Seriously, what a waste of paper anymore, huh?
Kelly Olexa says:
August 12th 2010That is sooo funny. I just saw a ton of phone books by the PAY PHONES at the airport and was wondering who used either of them!! LOL