For some people, clocking up an hour of exercise every day isn’t always possible. The good news is you’re probably doing more exercise each day than you realise.
Standing in line
You might not know that standing consumes more energy than sitting, so whenever you’re standing in line, such as at the bank or the supermarket checkout, you’re actually burning calories. To enhance the calorie burn, consider balancing on your toes or doing heel lifts for about one minute while waiting.
Grocery shopping
There’s no denying that doing the weekly grocery shop can sometimes feel like a marathon. Between walking, pushing the trolley and lifting heavy bags, you’re actually doing a workout. To enhance the calorie burn, why not try using a basket instead of a trolley to give your biceps a boost? Just ensure it doesn’t rest against your side as you walk. By using your strength and posture to carry the weight, you’ll give yourself a better workout.
House cleaning and yard work
Both house cleaning and working in the yard are extremely good for working up a sweat and burning energy. Just about all housework requires your body to move (crouching, stretching or bending) and bear weight. Scrubbing benchtops, unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming floors, trimming branches, mowing the grass and sweeping paths are all effective ways to exercise. To enhance the calorie burn, try to tense the muscles in your core while you perform your tasks.
Hot and cold temperatures
Whether it’s freezing cold or boiling hot, your body consumes energy to regulate its temperature. When your body is exposed to heat, it goes into overdrive attempting to cool you down. Sweating is your body’s natural air-conditioning, and it consumes a lot of energy. To enhance the calorie burn, consider hopping into a hot bath or a sauna. In the cold, your body has to work hard to raise its core temperature. Shivering actually burns a lot of calories. To enhance the calorie burn, try going for a brisk walk around the block on a frosty winter morning to work out your body even more.
