How To Burn Calories Without Exercise

Yep, you read that right! Sorry morning-run addicts but jogging ain't good for you in any shape or form. Neither is heavy exercise. As a Taurian, of course I've invested in finding out the laziest way to burn those calories and it is my pleasure to share it with you.

Ever catch yourself tapping your foot while sitting or twirling a pen? Restless behavior is KING when it comes to burning calories! These seemingly insignificant movements, collectively known as fidgeting, might be doing more for your health than you realize. Beyond keeping boredom at bay, fidgeting contributes to our daily calorie expenditure, offering a surprising boost to our energy balance without the need for the hours spent at the gym. Let's see how...

The Science Behind Fidgeting and Calorie Burn

Fidgeting falls under the umbrella of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), which encompasses the energy expended for everything we do that isn't sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise. This includes activities like walking at home, typing, hanging laundry, and yes, fidgeting.

Don't believe me? Well, a study published in PubMed found that fidgeting-like activities can substantially increase energy expenditure. Specifically, fidgeting while seated increased energy expenditure by 54%, and fidgeting while standing saw a 94% increase, compared to sitting motionless. That's quite something! This suggests that even minor, spontaneous movements can have a meaningful impact on daily energy expenditure. Just don't be a couch potato and everything else is cool (almost).

Real-World Implications

Wait, coz there's more... The cumulative effect of fidgeting can actually be substantial. According to research highlighted by the BBC, overfeeding can trigger an increase in energy expenditure through fidgeting by up to 700 calories per day. This indicates that fidgeting serves as a natural response to excess calorie intake, helping to maintain energy balance.

But I'm not done, a study involving the University of Strathclyde found that children who frequently changed posture—such as moving from sitting to standing—used up energy amounting to nearly 3kg of body weight per year. While individual fidgeting acts are small, their cumulative effect over time can significantly impact body fat levels.

Incorporating Fidgeting into Your Day

What if, your weight is stable without going to the gym and your gym-junkie friends wonder what is it that you do... While fidgeting alone isn't a replacement for stretching and weight lifting exercises, it highlights the importance of staying active throughout the day. Incorporating more spontaneous movements can complement regular workouts and contribute to overall health. Gardening, anyone? Here are some simple ways to naturally increase your daily activity:

• Embrace Movement: Allow yourself to tap your feet, drum your fingers, or shift in your seat during tasks. These small actions that were are told to stop doing as a child, are actually good for you!

• Dynamic Seating: Consider using chairs designed to promote subtle movements, such as stability balls or ergonomic chairs that encourage active sitting.

• Take Frequent Breaks: Stand up, stretch, or take a few steps to break up long periods of sitting.

• Use Fidget Tools: Items like stress balls or fidget spinners can provide an outlet for restless energy, keeping you moving even while seated.

Fidgeting is such a dismissed habit, and plays a more significant role in our energy expenditure than previously thought. So, the next time someone tells you to sit still, remember that a little fidgeting might be just what your body needs. Or just tell them you're a fidgeter and can't stop it. They should do the same.