The other day I was reading a e-newsletter that addressed the issue of training for a triathlon with limited time and how to incorporate training into our already busy lives rather than seeing it as a separate event, and it got me thinking. Americans live a life of paradoxes; we pay people to clean our houses (physical activity), so that we have time to go to the gym to "work out". We drive to Spin classes- couldn't we ride a bike to Spin class and get a work out that way? Our urban friends walk to get the groceries and mail a letter, while we drive to the park to take a walk. Physical activity doesn't require lycra, spandex, and specialized shoes. Your body doesn't know the difference if you are running through the airport to catch a flight or if you are in a conditioning class. All your body knows is that your heart is pounding and your muscles are working.
Check out these activities and how many calories they burn to get an idea if you are "movin' it". The calories burned are approximate for a 150 lb person.
- Bicycling 12-13.9 mph- 576
- Golf, carrying clubs- 396
- Walk 15 minute mile- 324
- Water Aerobics- 288
- Gardening- 324
- Lawn Mower- power push mower- 324
- Heavy Cleaning- 325
- Sitting and reading- 81
- Sleeping- 45
No comments:
Post a Comment