Easy Ways To Burn 100 Calories

​by Sally Whitaker

​     Burning an extra 100 calories a day can result in up to a 12-pound weight loss over a year, without any change in your eating habits. The following ways to blast an extra 100 calories are based on a healthy 150-pound adult, and while your results may vary slightly, adding an activity burst to your day will yield great results over time.
 
Jog the Commercials
     Run, jog, or march in place during each commercial break of your favorite 30-minute program to burn those extra 100 calories.
 
Remember Recess
     Grab your kid, partner, or best friend and get outside. Throwing a frisbee, shooting hoops, playing hopscotch or hide and seek for just half an hour will up your calorie burn.
 
Might As Well Jump
     Jumping jacks or jumping rope for 10 minutes is all it takes. Break it up into 2-minute blocks throughout your day to make it more manageable.
 
Walk Your Dog
     A half hour brisk-paced walk will burn roughly 100 calories. No dog? That’s okay, just walk yourself!
 
Do Your Chores
     Your honey and your health will thank you for this one. In the time it takes to cook dinner, vacuum or mop, clean out the garage, or other house work chores, you will have burned approximately 100 calories per task, and earn brownie points with those you love.
 
Just Dance
     Dancing to just 3 or 4 of your favorite songs will take about 15 minutes and leave you feeling happier and 100 calories lighter.
 
Winter Wonder
     It’s been a long, snowy winter, but for every 15 minutes you spend shoveling, scraping, and salting you melt away 100 calories. When spring (finally) arrives, mowing, weeding, planting, and pruning will also burn 100 calories in 20-30 minutes time.
 
     You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.
     Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately.
 
     Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.  
 
 

Photo credit: iStock photo