Who says couch potatoes can’t be healthy? As it turns out, your favorite television show is the perfect backdrop for an effective 30-minute interval training routine.

In fact, according to celebrity trainer Grace Lazenby, exercising in front of the television may be better than a structured workout because it’s easier to maintain –- and the motivation is on your screen.

Here are four ways to work out while you watch (we’ll use 'Desperate Housewives' as an example):

Opening Credits: When Wisteria Lane comes into view on your screen, perform a few light warm-up exercises. March or jog in place, and do a few dozen jumping jacks. “Light cardio work elevates your heart rate, increases body temperature and improves blood flow to your muscles and joints,” says Lazenby. And it’s the perfect lead in to a strength-training workout.

Character Analysis: Assign a body part to each character in the show to create an intense full-body workout. If Susan signifies abs, for example, drop to the floor and start crunching when she enters the scene. Switch to bicep curls when Edie walks by, lunges for Bree, push-ups for Gabrielle and yoga poses for Lynette.

Love Those Ads: Instead of heading for the fridge during commercial breaks, complete your interval training with some cardio exercises. “Just three to five minutes of cardio can elevate your heart rate and burn some extra calories,” says Lazenby. Run up and down the stairs a few times or if you’re really inspired, sprint around the block fast enough to make it back for the show.

Next Week’s Teaser: Use the time during the closing credits and next week’s promo to cool down, stretch and lengthen the muscles you just worked. Cooling down is a great segue to your next task: to sit back and relax.