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Research shows that the little stuff we do all day can add up to big weight loss.
To lose pounds and keep them off, burning calories is the key. Not just at the gym but being active throughout the day can add up to big weight loss, too. James Levine, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, has spent a decade studying the role that everyday movement plays in metabolism. His discovery: People who tap their feet, prefer standing to sitting, and generally move a lot burn up to 350 more calories a day than those who sit still. That adds up to nearly 37 pounds a year!
Prevention fitness expert Chris Freytag has come up with a few ideas…
Do crunches in bed
Get a jump start on flatter abs before your feet even hit the floor, says Freytag. Simply draw your knees toward your chest 25 to 50 times to rev your energy, tone your belly, and burn 15 to 20 calories. Add a set at night to double your burn. BURNS UP TO 20 CALORIES IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES!
Circle the block
Research shows that the more comfortable your clothes, the more active you'll be throughout the day. Make it a rule to wear shoes comfy enough for a 5-mile walk, and look for ways to add bits of strolling all day long. Lap the grocery store before you pick up your first item, take a 15-minute midday walk. BURNS UP TO 375 CALORIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Stand up more
With jam-packed days, we are no strangers to multitasking. But Prevention magazine found that you could boost your metabolism simply by spending more time on your feet. Rather than sitting on a bench while your children played at the park, for example, walk around the playground area for 15 minutes and melted 50 extra calories. BURNS UP TO 200 CALORIES IN ABOUT AN HOUR
Take a comedy break
Research shows that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes (like when watching a funny half-hour sitcom) can burn about 40 calories. It's a small number by itself, but a daily chuckle could add up to a loss of about 4 pounds over a year. BURNS UP TO 40 CALORIES IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES
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