Last time, I told you how you can burn calories without even really trying. These next tips are going to take a little more effort, but are still super simple ways to get extra calorie burn and activity into your day with just a few simple changes.
Incidental exercise is extra activity you integrate into your day by making a conscious effort to move during your normal activities. Studies show that the average person sits 56 hours a week. That’s a lot of time that could be used to move. While incidental exercise can’t replace a good workout, it can be great way to ensure you are moving and active all day long and burn tons of calories in the process. Try making some of these incidental exercise techniques daily habits, and you’ll notice the difference, fast:
- Park in the furthest parking spot away from your destination so you have to have to walk.
- Never sit while talking on the phone. Pace, march or even just stand every time you get a call.
- Do calf raises while blow drying your hair.
- Never bend at the waist to pick something up, always squat deeply to protect your back and tone your butt.
- March in place during commercial breaks.
- Swear off elevators and escalators and always take the stairs.
- Carry your own groceries out to you car.
- Always stand when you have the option.
- Clean your house VIGOROUSLY.
- Hide your remote control.
- Be inefficient. Anytime you can make multiple trips (unloading the car, putting away laundry, etc.) do it.
- Use the bathroom furthest away from your desk at work.
- Skip coworker emails at your desk and actually walk to, and talk to, the person you are trying to contact.
- Never drive thru. Always get out of your car and go inside, even if it’s just for a coffee.
Bottom line? Just move. Make an extra effort to move a little bit more each day. It’s small lifestyle changes that make for long lasting results, so make the decision to stay as active as you can in your everyday life, and you’ll see the easy adjustments you’ve made really start to add up.
