Our metabolism works like a furnace, the more you feed it, the hotter (and faster) it gets. But that’s not just with food. If you stay moving continuously throughout the day, your body will continuously burn calories. Those standing rather than sitting, walking or riding a bike to work, walking across the office rather than using an intercom, completing household chores, etc. typically have a higher metabolism (and burn more calories) than those who religiously do an hour of cardio on a machine, but are sedentary the rest of the day. As an Austin personal trainer, I encourage clients to do little things to improve our level of activity and avoid becoming sedentary.
1. TAKE THE STAIRS (Burn Calories, Not Electricity)
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a quick and excellent way to burn a couple extra calories. Think of Rocky, athletes have been running up and down stadium steps as part of training for years. Taking the stairs is a great way to get in shape, improve cardiovascular function, and strengthen and tone the leg muscles.
2. HAND WASH YOUR CAR
As a personal trainer I don't want to develop lazy habits that take away from my daily burn for instance. After driving to Austin Personal Trainer clients, I hand wash my truck instead of the automatic option. Its fun, saves water and a great way to enjoy outside and I feel my muscles burning calories. I love it!
3. PARK FURTHER (Don't be a Parking Lot Vulture)
When I'm looking for a parking spot I don't pick the one closest to the building like most people do. I don't mind parking further away, when often it is faster than waiting for a spot, less frustrating and I burn a few calories as a bonus. When I was working as a fitness coach at a box gym here in Austin, I noticed that some customers would circle around the parking lot looking for the closest spot...at a gym, a place you're intentionally going to burn calories! Parking further away actually helps contribute towards their warm up and caloric burn.
Josue Madrid
CPT
Austin Personal Trainer
( AUSTIN MOBILE TRAINER )