The title of this post is semi misleading only because I sweat no matter what kind of physical activity I am doing (and yes I consider walking up two flights of stairs to my apartment exercise). However, over the years of trying to find the best way to stay in shape with doing as minimum work as possible, I found these top 5 “workouts” incredible calorie burners that work for me and you won’t even know you are working out:
1) Cleaning your home: Since I am a self-proclaimed work-a-holic, sometimes my house can get pretty messy. This actually works out well because if I don’t feel like going to the gym in the morning, I will get up an extra hour early, put on my favorite old school 50 cent CD, and get to work on my place.
My favorite calorie burners are putting clothes away, making the bed, vacuuming the carpets, and “windexing” (yes this is a verb) the bathroom mirrors. I know it doesn’t sound like a strenuous exercise, but you will be burning calories. Plus, you will tidy up your place before you head off for your day, double bonus! Getting up and moving around is half the battle with AM workouts.
2) Going for a long walk: I know this one seems like a no brainer, but it’s surprising to me how little people take advantage of this. Walking is so good for you and your body. In more recent years I have stopped running almost all together due to bad hips, and have found walking is such a fabulous alternative.
I am lucky enough to live about an eight minute walk to the beach. Therefore, one of my favorite things to do before or after work is to take an hour and go for about a 3-mile walk with my 8lb Maltipoo, Brady (he has more stamina then I do). I have the perfect route that I have been doing for a long time. Check out www.mapmyrun.com to create your own route (no one needs to know it’s for walking)!
3) Spending the day doing errands: When I say errands, I really mean shopping, but I will keep this more general because I know not all of us care to go shopping. I never feel like I have gotten a better work out then when I spend the day out of my house going to the mall, Target, the grocery store, Best Buy (maybe Bed Bath & Beyond…I’m not sure we’ll have time!!) and all those other great places!
Being constantly on the move is not only productive but a good way to get your metabolism fired up. Next time you’re contemplating spending your Sunday in bed watching a movie or running around town, choose the latter then treat yourself to a big Sunday dinner without worrying so much about calories.
4) Yoga: By no means do I consider myself a “yogi”, however I have found Yoga to be one of my new favorite ways to get in a low impact workout. Every Saturday, my neighborhood provides free yoga in the park and I have tried my best to take advantage of it.
For me, Yoga has been allowed me to escape all the stresses in my life for that one hour and let me slow down to take a deep breath. On the physical side, Yoga drastically increases flexibility and improves core strength. The part I love most is unless you are practicing hot yoga or outside in the Florida summer (yes I have done this) sweating can be kept to a minimum and you can just enjoy the positions. Again I am not an expert on Yoga, but if you haven’t tried this I suggest you do!
5) Going to a night club: For some of you I know this is probably totally out of the question, but hear me out! Getting out for a night of dancing, socializing, and moving around the city/town you live in is a great way to burn calories without even knowing it. I’m not going to lie, I have totally broken a sweat at a night club, but you don’t always have to!
Additionally, it is a bonus for us girls that wear heels because it is a great calf workout. If clubs aren’t really your thing, bars are a great place too. Anywhere that is playing music and can inspire you to move just a little. No effort necessary besides having a good time.
I hope this helps inspire you to get moving a little more!
Xoxo,
Melissa
Everything Erica 