Fitness

10 Ways to Burn More Calories Just By Sitting

Who needs the gym when you can do these sneaky moves and lose weight with almost no effort?

by Kristina Grish

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Fidget Tap your feet. Wiggle in your seat. Tap that pen on your desk. According to an Iowa State University study, researchers found that those who frequently fidgeted, stood up, and walked around could burn an additional 300 calories per day, compared to those who remain stationary. In fact, Annette Cain, certified personal trainer and author of "Get In Shape the Lazy Way," says the impulse to fidget may be hardwired, so you might not even need to make a concerted effort to do this. If you do, Cain says to fidget for 3 to 5 minutes at a time, 8 to 10 times a day.

The reason this works? "Movement requires energy, thus calories get burned," she says. "Think about when you shiver from being cold — your body is trying to generate heat with involuntary muscle contractions that require energy and calories." Since engaging more muscles and using resistance will burn even more calories, try upping the ante the next time you fidget: if you shake your leg, Cain says to come to the balls of your feet to work the calves; if you tap your toes, alternate feet and keep your abs pulled in. Want a fun fidget fact? "The first two fidgets always burn the most calories," she says.

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Older comments

Love these ideas.

by Monique3 Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 10:17AM Report as inappropriate

I'm going to try these today!

by LittleBunny Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate

Definitely going to do these in class!

by schien Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11:35AM Report as inappropriate

I can do these almost anywhere!

by anna_cookie_hwang Monday, October 15, 2012 at 08:15PM Report as inappropriate

I am sitting on a ball right now in front of the computer. It really works your whole body!

by nicolemakris Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 11:29PM Report as inappropriate

Fun article !

by Ladybugg9 Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 12:35AM Report as inappropriate

I always watch at least one comedy show a day just to brighten my mood but now that I learned that laughing really does burn calories I probably will watch more !

by Ladybugg9 Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 12:13AM Report as inappropriate

will definitely try some of these out!

by Chris213 Monday, October 8, 2012 at 06:23PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with @Ydabney!

by asiagirl4ever Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

One of the best articles!!! Thanks

by Ydabney Friday, August 10, 2012 at 08:11AM Report as inappropriate