Some people seem so healthy, fit and toned even though they don't know the word 'workout' much to the envy of people who spend hours in the gym working out on cardio equipment and aerobics. The body tends to burn a few calories while we breathe, through digestion and circulation. However, it is found that doing other usual chores can also burn calories as much as a workout can. Body metabolic rate or BMR defines the number of calories you can burn based on your heart beat, hormones, diet and your physiological composition.
If you find a routine exercise or workout as a boring task you might want to try something natural with which you can easily burn calories and still manage to look slim & fit.
So, here are a few things you can do in lieu of a hardcore exercise.
Burn Calories Without Exercise:
Your workstation may be on the 5-6th floor of the building. Using the stairs instead of the elevator can help reduce atleast 65 calories.
Brooming, mopping, dusting, and re-arranging the house can burn upto 200-400 calories which is equal to a high cardio aerobic session.
Leave your car and bike at home/office and take a walk or cycle to the nearest shop where you want to buy your stuff. This also saves on fuel and brisk walking for 10-15 minutes is known to burn 250 calories.
Tapping your feet, rotating your head, walking between your desk to your colleague's, shaking a leg, standing up & sitting down, walking up & down the stairs every now and then helps burn calories.
This may sound like the most boring job on the earth. But ironing your clothes is known to burn 150 calories. Turn on or tune into your favourite music station and start ironing your clothes. The heat of the iron box reacts with the body leaving you perspired and in turn burn calories.
It's always a joy to see the flowers bloom in your yard. Try and practise a green thumb and reap the benefits of the flowers and fruits in your garden. Plant new varieties of saplings, this helps to burn around 120 calories.
Yes, laughing not only releases endorphins in your body but also reduces stress and burns calories. Watch your favourite sitcom or cartoon. Or just read the old jokes from your cell phone and have a hearty laugh.
Taking your dog out for a walk every evening or morning can burn upto 150 calories.
For every 5 deep breath you inhale and exhale you burn 60 calories. This helps in circulating blood to the entire body making you feel fresh and renewed. It also helps in boosting the metabolism of the body. Inhale through the nose slowly and exhale through the mouth. When you do this you feel the cool air passing through your throat and abdomen and hot air coming out through your mouth.
Have you observed that when your brain is active your body tends to heat up and you feel fatigued? Playing sudoku, puzzles, riddles, chess, ludo and other brain games also reduces calories in the body. The brain sends signals to the body to remain active and alert. This in turn makes you perspire, removing toxins through sweat. That is the reason you tend to feel thirsty when you finish a sudoku or a crossword puzzle.
Compromising on exercise would call for a light and hearty diet. Most of your weight is controlled by following a strict diet based on your body needs and physiology. Avoid junk food.
Sleeping also burns calories. Many people who have sleeping disorders tend to be obese or plump. Sleep for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Don't be surprised when you read that surfing the internet for approximately an hour everyday can help you burn 60 calories.