Alternative Ways to Burn Calories and Build Strength (page 2 of 2)

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Moving Without Exercising

Exercise doesn't have to involve equipment or even a special time set aside in your day. Any kind of movement that increases your heart rate provides benefits. That includes everything from house cleaning to dancing to gardening. Here is a list of activities that can replace 30 minutes of walking:
  • Washing and waxing a car for 45-60 minutes.

  • Washing windows or floors for 45-60 minutes.

  • Playing volleyball for 45 minutes.

  • Gardening for 30-45 minutes.

  • Wheeling self in wheelchair for 30-40 minutes.

  • Bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes.

  • Dancing fast (social) for 30 minutes.

  • Raking leaves for 30 minutes.

  • Water aerobics for 30 minutes.

  • Swimming laps for 20 minutes.

  • Basketball (a game) for 15-20 minutes.

  • Bicycling 4 miles in 15 minutes.

  • Jumping rope for 15 minutes.

  • Shoveling snow for 15 minutes.

  • Stair-walking for 15 minutes.
Source: Surgeon General's report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

If your hobby involves being physically active, perfect! Just consider the workout you get from gardening. Between edging and raking the lawn, walking back and forth to the mulch pile, pulling weeds, digging holes, and planting seeds, gardening uses all of the major muscle groups. And half an hour of general gardening burns about 202 calories in a 185-pound person. One study even found that gardening could reduce insulin resistance, a condition that could lead to metabolic syndrome or diabetes, both of which significantly increase your risk of heart disease. It's even been suggested that urban gardens be used to improve public health, not only by providing fresh produce, but also by providing exercise. To get the most out of gardening, nix the gadgets that make it easier, such as electric weed-whackers.

In addition to gardening, simply eschewing convenience devices like remote controls and garage-door openers can make a big difference in terms of the calories you burn and your overall amount of physical activity.

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very good written thorough Workout Routines

By thorough, on 05/21/2009
i appreciate the things written over here. yo need not always have to workout in a gym to reduce calories.there are so many easy to use alternatives, that can be done any where using anything. thorough Workout Routines

By thorough, on 05/21/2009
i appreciate the thing written over here.workouts are not the only ways to burn your calories, yes there are alternative ways and you may be benefited by that. thorough Workout Routines

By thorough, on 05/21/2009
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