Turning 50 inspired me to launch my “Year of 50.” So, each month this year I’ll be sharing my “Top 50” tips and ideas on all things health and wellness. This month I wrapped up my ‘Top 50 Ways to Burn More Calories.’ In case you’ve missed some, or forgotten a few, here’s a recap:
- be inefficient around the house
- make multiple trips unloading the car
- balance on one foot
- 2-minute exercise breaks
- standing desk
- knee extensions while sitting
- use a stability ball as a chair
- avoid the drive-thru
- dance (even just a little) when music is playing
- park once and walk to all the stores in the shopping center
- park far away
- take the stairs
Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash - yard work
- fidget
- sit up straight
- calf raises in the checkout line
- get up & move during commercials
- wash the windows
- clean the floors
- vacuum
- jumping jacks between weight sets
- back-to-back strength training sets
- increase your walking pace
- swing your arms while walking
- add hills/incline to walking/treadmill
- hands off the rails (unless you need them for balance)
- a little caffeine (sans sugar)
- bike your errands
- knit or crochet
- sing to the music
- wash the car
- add 5 minutes to your usual workout
- if you’re not already, start strength training
- cardio push (intervals)
- exercise more often
- don’t skip meals
- eat breakfast
- get 7-8 hours’ sleep
- meditate to reduce stress
- chew gum
- red-light ab workout
- mini-workout during commercials
- walk the escalator
- walking meetings
- play pool
- miniature golf
- go bowling
- play darts
- volunteer
#50: Do it. The trap is to think, “What difference will that really make?” The truth is, small steps lead to big results. You need to take the right small steps, and take many of them over a period of time. So, pick a few and enjoy the process.
A side benefit I didn’t expect is that in making this list I’m reminded to do them, too. Just yesterday I did the red-light ab workout instead of being irritated that I had taken surface streets to the post office rather than the freeway. Bonus!
If you need further details on any of these you’ll find five posts of ten tips each, including some videos, during this past month at Facebook. And, be on the lookout tomorrow when I launch my Top 50 Ways to Stay Healthy (and Not Gain Weight) During the Holidays.
Share with me below your favorite of the Top 50 Ways to Burn More Calories and let me know which ones you’re putting into action.