Tuesday, April 29, 2008

6 Things You Can Do Now to Burn Calories:

There are a lot of excuses as to why we can't get off the couch, out of bed, or out of the house. Here are some things that we can do right now to get motivated and lose weight. Of course, these suggestions are just the beginning. Discovery Health created a activity calculator that can calculate approximately the number of calories you've burned using activity, duration, and your current weight. The calorie figures below are based on 243lbs, my current weight.

6 Things You Can Do Now to Burn Calories
(I'll be doing them too.) :
  • Walking
    • Start out by going 10 minutes out and 10 minutes back. Do this a few times a week and add 2-3 minutes each trip. Soon enough you'll be walking 30 mins per session, burning approximately 138 calories at a slow pace.
  • Dancing
    • Hook up the iPod and dance for 30 minutes, do it alone and it doesn't matter what you look like. Dancing can burn 248 calories per 30 minutes if you do it continuously and keep your heart rate up. Your mood will be elevated and it can keep you motivated if you have an off day.
  • Cleaning
    • Get up and make your bed. When was the last time you did that (It's been awhile for me)? Vacuum, mop, sweep, open up the blinds and windows and let the fresh air in. You're making changes to your life, so your environment should reflect your new discipline and order. As an added bonus, you can burn 192 calories in 30 minutes of vigorous cleaning.
  • Cooking
    • Not only is it better for you than fast food, but taking time to think about and prepare what you're putting into your body is an opportunity to improve your eating habits. Count the calories, or points depending on your method. When you see the calorie value foods carry it will keep you from overeating. Being on your feet alone for 30 minutes can help you burn 108 calories, prepping food will burn approximately 136 calories.
  • Having Sex
    • Losing weight to improve your sex life? Why not improve your sex life to lose weight? Having sex for 30 minutes can burn 70.75 calories. So focus on looking better naked while embracing your body no matter what you look like. If you have someone you love, it will make your connection better. Turn up the heat as your body starts to transform.
  • Shopping
    • Looking at sexy new fashions in sizes too small to fit over my left ass cheek has been an excellent motivator for me to lose weight. The mall is an excellent place to lose yourself and just move around endlessly. Just 30 minutes can burn around 125 calories (I can shop for hours!). Get ideas on what you plan on wearing when you hit your goal. Self-conscious? Go on a Sunday as soon as the mall opens, there will be fewer people there so you won't have to worry about how you look.
Use these simple activities as a stepping stone to more vigorous and rewarding physical activity in the future and start feeling good about yourself.

Want more ideas or have some of your own? You can visit Discovery Health for the calorie calculator used in this article.

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