everyday ways to burn calories

To burn calories we need to expend energy. And to expend energy we need to move! Here are ten every day ways you can burn calories ...

1. Take the stairs

At every opportunity, take the stairs over the lift or escalator. Next time you’re at the train station, a shopping mall, a friend’s apartment block or work, pick the stairs to get to your destination. You’ll be using big muscle groups of the lower body, which burn a higher amount of calories, so keep moving.

2. Walk to the shops
If you need to pick up a few groceries and your local store or supermarket is less than 30 minutes away, ditch the car and walk there (or cycle)! The additional bags that you carry home will add to the calories used in a round trip.

3. Use the printer at the other side of the office
If you work in a large office space or an office that has more than one level, each time you print out a document, send it to the printer furthest away from you. This way you’ll have to get out of your seat and move that little bit further each time to pick up your print outs.

4. Wash your car by hand
Instead of dropping your car off to be washed, wash it yourself! This can be at a car wash or outside your house. To get your car shining will involve big vigorous movements. Not only will your car look great, your waistline will thank you for it too.

5. Go dancing
Dancing is fun! Whether it’s with a group of friends on a Saturday night, with your family at a wedding or at a dance class teaching you the latest moves, give it a go. Don’t be afraid, let your inhabitations go and have a good time . The longer you dance, the more calories you’ll burn.

6. Get off the bus early
If you catch the bus or train to work, jump off one or two stops earlier than your local stop and walk the rest of the way. Not only will this help you wind down after a long day at work, it’ll also help burn a few extra calories in your day.

7. Stand on the train
Instead of sitting on the train, bus or tram, stand up. You will find yourself switching on all of your stabilizer, support and core muscles to remain balanced while the vehicle is moving, not to mention expending some extra energy to do so.

8. Walk the dog the long way around
When was the last time your furry friend was treated to a big long walk? Make the commitment once or twice per week to walk the long way around the park, or add an extra 20 minutes when you walk your dog. Your furry friend will love you for it and you’ll be burning a few more calories than usual too.

9. How mobile is your phone?
Mobile phones are called ‘mobile’ for a reason: you don’t have to be sitting down in one place to use them! So, next time you’re on a lengthy phone call, instead of sitting at your desk or lying on the couch, get up and move around. Go for a walk, move around the house, make a cup of tea; anything, as long as you’re not in a static position.
10. Become Cinderella

 Doing the housework uses up more calories than you might think. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping all involve big movements, which expend energy (ie, burn calories). Next time it’s time to do the house work, crank up some music and get a little more vigorous with it to burn some additional calories.

by Emily Boylin
from weigh it up