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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Laugh a Lot Yeah, we know — you're too stressed out to chuckle. But data from Vanderbilt University Medical Center says that if you can eek out a laugh for 10 to 15 minutes a day, you'll burn up to 40 calories. A real hoot causes your heart rate to rise by 10 to 20 percent, and as it does, your metabolism also increases, which means you'll continue to burn cals once you stop laughing too. No joke!

Some giggle-worthy ideas? Gina Barreca, humorist and author of "They Used to Call Me Snow White, But I Drifted: Women's Strategic Use of Humor" suggests keeping a go-to list of the most ridiculous things your friends and family have said to you, to brighten your mood. She also recommends hitting YouTube to watch interviews and stand-up routines of funny ladies like Nora Ephron, Joan Rivers, and Chelsea Handler. Visual cues always insight a good snicker, as well. Try googling hilarious animal pictures, like dogs in Halloween costumes, or stash some hilarious shots of your friends looking their goofiest.

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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