Taking Steps to be More Active

For many people in Novato, finding time for exercise is a very difficult task. Between work, family, friends and other responsibilities, setting aside 30 to 60 minutes five times a week is often next to impossible. Even more, cutting into your sleep to work out in the morning or evening can actually damage your weight loss goals, as getting less than eight hours of sleep every night often leads to weight gain.

For those that are battling with their schedules to find time for weight loss, incorporating physical activity into your routine throughout the day may be a beneficial solution. By simply moving around more during the day with simple lifestyle changes like taking the stairs, you can burn an extra 350 calories every day!

Here are a few tips to help you incorporate more movement into your everyday routine:

• Instead of searching for a premier parking spot at work or even while running errands, go for the back of the parking lot and walk your way up to the front door. This will only take a few extra minutes, but will add plenty of extra steps into your daily exercise.
• When you take your lunch break, spend a few minutes walking around the lobby of your office, or if it is possible take a ten minute stroll outside.
• Instead of sending an email to a colleague down the hall, take a quick trip and deliver the message in person.
• Elevators are a recipe for being sedentary. Taking the stairs instead is a perfect way to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.
• When you need to go to the bathroom at work, or are looking for a printer, head to the other side of the building. This will give you more time on your feet and won’t add too much time to the task at hand.
• Conference call? Instead of sitting in your seat tapping your pencil, try pacing around your desk to incorporate more movement.
• When all is said and done, taking a brisk evening walk after dinner with a spouse, friend or family member is one of the best ways to relax after a long day while also incorporating more exercise into your daily routine.

Bonus Tip: This is one of my favorite tools. Do not underestimate the number of calories you can burn during the course of your usual activities.

For the easiest 350 calories you’ll ever burn, regular daily activity known as “NEAT” (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) is equally essential for a healthy metabolism. Small movements such as stretching your legs, taking the stairs, even just standing to talk on the phone can burn up to an additional 350 calories a day.