Most people know physical activity has many health benefits, including lasting weight control and prevention of obesity-related diseases.
The problem is that most people don’t have time to fit their workout routine into their busy schedule. They don’t have a lot of time or energy to workout. After a stressful day at work or after a long commute, they are just too exhausted to exercise.
By doing short bursts of non-exercise movements throughout the day, you can reap the health benefits of increased physical activity. Even if you don’t have time to do your workout routine, you can achieve lasting weight control and avoid obesity-related diseases.
Lack of physical activity is an important contributing factor for the growing obesity epidemic in the United States and other industrialized countries.
Some changes in our society promote obesity and other unhealthy habits. For example, instead of being more physically active at home or at work, people often sit and work using their computers. Instead of walking, people drive to a nearby store.
Instead of exercising, people often watch television, play video games or surf the Internet to relax. Instead of playing sports, people sit and watch sports on television — while eating massive amounts of junk food!
What’s the solution?
There are easy ways to sneak physical activity into your day and burn 500 extra calories a day or more.
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) are small movements, such as, tapping your feet, stretching your legs or standing. These short bursts of “exercise” throughout the day can burn as many as 500 extra calories a day or even more.
Increasing NEAT levels can lead to a significant weight loss and lasting weight management… even if you don’t have time to do your workout routine.
Too Busy For Your Workout Routine? Here Are 11 Easy Ways to Increase Physical Activity and Calories Burned Throughout the Day
- Instead of sitting, stand while talking on the phone. If you also walk around while talking, you can increase your calories burned even further.
- Take the stairs at every opportunity instead of using the elevator or escalator.
- Dance while getting dressed or doing some other activities.
- Walk over to a co-worker to talk instead of using the phone or email.
- Stand up during meetings or discussions, if possible.
- Take a walk during your break.
- Stand up or walk around while watching television at home.
- Bounce your knees often.
- Fidget frequently.
- Play interactive video games that require you to move, such as, Nintendo Wii tennis, bowling, dancing, etc.
- Avoid using labor-saving tools and push-button gadgets. Instead of using the remote control, get up and change the TV channel. Use an old-fashioned rake instead of a leaf blower.
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) can provide increased physical activity for busy people. They can boost your metabolism without having to schedule a time-consuming workout routine.
By doing short bursts of non-exercise movements throughout the day, you can reap the health benefits of increased physical activity. Even if you don’t have time to do your workout routine, you can achieve lasting weight control and avoid obesity-related diseases.