Computers, TVs, remote controls, fancy cars, home automation, iPads, PlayStations… As technology continues to advance to all we want it to be and more, and our quest for convenience becomes further fulfilled; we must ask ourselves the question…is this really what we want?
Consider these three scenarios:
1) Do I want my kids inside on the PlayStation every night and on weekends? OR would I prefer to spend some quality time with them outdoors – walking, having a kick of the footy or a game of backyard cricket?
2) Should I get home from work and jump on the iPad to see the latest ‘applications’ and ‘downloads’, or would my time be better spent walking to the shop for the next morning’s milk, or having a hit of tennis with my friends?
3) When confronted with a set of escalators next to a staircase – do I take the escalators or do I walk up the stairs?
There’s no doubt about it, technology is progressing and in turn exciting us everyday. In moderation – it’s fantastic. It saves us time, and makes us more efficient. But the truth is, when used to excess, it’s making us lazy and depriving us of ‘incidental activity’– which for many people happens to be their only form of exercise.
What is incidental activity? It’s the calories we burn without even knowing we’re doing it. For example walking, shopping, working, playing, standing up, sitting down, stirring the pot, vacuuming, living. Research has shown us that incidental activity can account for up to 700 extra calories burnt per day; calories that might otherwise find themselves heading towards our waistline.
Accumulating incidental activity is one of the easiest ways to lose weight. It doesn’t require you to visit the gym, spend your salary on a personal trainer, or have the commitment associated with adhering to a strict diet.
I know what you’re thinking – these simple activities aren’t going to make a difference. That’s too easy! Can’t be right.
Well it is right, and all it requires is that you move more. Check out my 7 easy ways to get you started.
1) Stand up - How simple. Did you know that those who stand burn up to 50% more calories than their seated counterparts? Whilst this may not be completely feasible all day - especially for desk workers - simply make an effort to stand at every opportunity. Why don’t you stand every time you answer the phone, walk messages over to your work colleges rather than emailing, or change you default printer to the one at the other end of the office?
2) Buy a pedometer - Pedometers are small devices worn on the waist and count the number of steps taken each day. They are a cheap, easy and a great way of assessing your level of incidental activity. Set yourself challenges - try to increase your daily step count by 500-1000 steps per day with the ultimate goal of reaching at least 10,000 steps/day. Got a competitive streak? Challenge a friend or work college to a step-count competition.
3) Take the stairs - Try to take the stairs at every opportunity. You don’t have to climb an entire building to make this worthwhile. If the distance is too great, walk the first three or four flights, then take the lift the rest of the way. Reassure yourself that every time you take the stairs you’re helping yourself to a fitter, lighter body.
4) Ditch the car - Walk or bike ride to work and when performing errands where ever feasible. If this isn’t practical, consider taking public transport that almost always involves a shortish walk at both ends of the trip. If you absolutely HAVE to drive, park your car as far away from the front door as possible and walk the rest of the way. It might only add 10-mins of walking to your day, but it’s 10 minutes you wouldn’t get otherwise.
5) Embrace household work - Most people don’t realise what a great calorie burner performing household chores can be. You can burn up to 250 calories per hour vacuuming the house, washing the car, scrubbing the floors, and mowing the lawns. Who would have thought earning some brownie points with your partner could be so good for your health?
6) Turn off the TV - On average, Australians watch 2 hours of television per day. It’s true, time spent in front of the television is enjoyable, but how about instead of watching the news at two different time slots, watch it once, plug in your portable radio and listen to your second round as you walk around the block.
7) Socialise - Instead of planning a ‘weekly catch up dinner’, get some friends together and go for a walk, call your mates and have a hit of tennis or a kick of the footy, invite some family friends and their kids along to the park.
Go on, switch off your computer, turn off the TV and hide away the PlayStation. Switch on your body, turn on your mind, and bring out a new you! It’s not that hard!