How to increase your metabolism the easy way.
Updated: Dec 5, 2020
Hereโs me doing my gazillionth load of washing and running around the house!
But no this is not a post about me doing the housework, but about how you can increase your metabolic activity at home if you're feeling the pounds creeping on.
Simply moving more and sitting less can boost your health dramatically โญ๏ธ.
๐ Even trivial-seeming moves like folding laundry, doing the housework and brushing your teeth help counter the negative effects of sitting for long stretches. This is thanks to โNon Exercise Activity Thermogenesisโ, otherwise known as NEAT, which is the scientific term for the way everyday activities stimulate your metabolism.
Hereโs some simple ways you can increase your NEAT whilst being at home.
Reduce your sitting time by setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to stretch at your desk for a few minutes every hour or walk around your house. โฐ
Take the stairs whenever possible and use the upstairs washroom if you have one to get extra steps in. ๐ฆถ
Amp up the calorie burn by dancing whilst doing the housework. ๐๐ป
Toe tapping and raising your heels while seated are not only NEAT exercises, they also work the muscles in the lower legs. ๐ฆต
Sit on a stability/exercise ball rather than a chair whilst working. It forces you to subtly contract lots of different muscles to maintain your balance. Or stand and work. ๐ง๐ฝโโ๏ธ
Everyone has a morning routine that they go through. This is an easy time to add some extra movement to your day. Eg after brushing teeth, waiting for the kettle to boil. Implement some form of exercises- calf raises/push ups/burpees. Make it a habit. ๐คธ๐ฝโโ๏ธ
Whilst watching TV ๐บ , always make it a habit to do some stretches and exercises at the same time. Donโt just lie down or sit.
Get a fitness tracker to measure your steps. Compete with a friend. Nothing like a little healthy competition to get you moving.
๐ซ Focus on a goal and have fun with it. Find joy ๐ in movement and live a longer, healthier more fulfilling life ๐๐คธ๐ฝโโ๏ธ ๐โโ๏ธ๐ต๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธ