My SIL and I were just talking about some of the small steps we take to burn a few extra calories. I park at the back of the parking lot and walk the extra few yards into the store. My family also loves the Family Dance Off after dinner! My SIL will park her car at the top of the parking garage and walk the stairs to and from her car and she avoids escalators and elevators.

I park as far away as possible too......I used to have all the laundry to be put away in one basket, and makes stops along the way, now I come back to laundry room for each set of clothes (not much, but every little bit helps!) I take the dog for seperate walks, instead of taking them together, and I started keeping the Tv off more, I notice when the Tv is off and music is on, I just tend to move around more......

I can't wait to hear what little things everyone else does!

__________________
Nicole

At school, I go up and down the steps at least 20 times a day ( thats 3 flights ). Wrecks havoc on my knees but better for me. when we go to the store, we park at the last parking space in the lot...... when its cold out it makes ya want to run. I rarely sit during the day unless its to lay on the carpet with one of my wheelchair kids, when I get him out to stretch his muscles.
Other then that I'm on the go go all day long.

__________________
"Madison AnnMarie " 6/13/2008

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=8652d1ea.pbr

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=adbcb309.pbr

My DD(4yr) is kinda on the small side so I do curls by lifting her repeatedly or playing airplane and lifting her as many times as I can stand it. Its a great work out and fun for both of us. She is getting a bit big for this and will miss it.

I'm amused at the people that will circle and circle the parking lot in pursuit of the close parking space. Just park it and walk, you'll be inside a lot sooner!

I walk the steps while riding an escalator. A few extra steps and you get there faster!

The last 4 school years before this year, I worked in PTA at middle school. The PTA room was at the back of the school. I dropped about 12 lbs the second year cause when I'd walk those halls, I didn't stroll. Strolling doesn't lose weight, but a nice pace does.

One of my tricks to getting healthy is wearing a Pedometer. You can get a cheap one at Walmart for about $5. I also have managed to get several free ones on line. Wearing a Pedometer makes you much more aware of how active you are each day. It also challenges you to move. I get in at least 10,000 steps a day. I have to agree with the above poster about the cars who circle the parking lot instead of just walking. I think its crazy to be that lazy....

Making love It's the one exercise that I never complain about doing

Other then being good exercise it been linked to many many other benefits Eons: Love more, live longer So make sure you are doing yourself a favor and make love!!!

Here is a website that put in your weight and it tells you how much approx you lose per activity......even has making love. Calories Burned Estimator

__________________
Chicago Bears!!!!
We are the Bears Shufflin' Crew
Shufflin' on down, doin' it for you.
We're so bad we know we're good.
Blowin' your mind like we knew we would.
You know we're just struttin' for fun
Struttin' our stuff for everyone.
We're not here to start no trouble.
We're just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle.

Ohh I forgot a few other things I do. When I'm shoveling our walkway and driveway, I shovel the neighbors too! We also have TONS of trees in our yard. It takes me over 8 hours to rake it all up, Hubby bought a blower, I refuse to use it.

When watching tv get up and step, jog, or climb the stairs during commercials.

Walk to the convenience store instead of driving.

Stand up instead of sitting down when waiting somewhere for something.

When taking your daily walk jog here and there to get your heart rate up.

Thouroughly chew your food.

Take the stairs.

When going shopping wear comfortable shoes so you can walk long distances.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Don't eat fast food. That keeps the calories down. Also, think, really think about everything that goes in your mouth. Also, drink a glass of water when you feel hungry and before each meal.

Unfortunately, I don't think little things like these will add up to much weight loss or improved physical health, unless starting from a completely sedentary point. I think you need a more intense cardio workout that raises your heart rate (60-65% MHR) for at least 15-20 mins several days a week.

One way to sneak in some extra calorie burning is to keep a set of dumbbells, wrist, and ankle weights near the TV and do light strength training (low weight, many reps) while watching the tube.

cj/

__________________
I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I'm with cjs216 on that.

However, I think adding the little things to the big lifestyle change of making sure you work out at least three times a week, can only help!

I love these ideas, please keep them coming!

Well you can always come to my house. My hubby is a workout freak.

In the basement he has a whole workout room. Complete with Bowflex machine, bowflex dumbells (they are nice). 3 weight benches, and an elliptical machine, speed bag, and body bag. Not to mention the walls are adorned with mirrors..lol.

He got this gadget at amazon , its nice, but he is crazy about it. It shows everything you do in a day, steps, aerobic , heart rate, etc...... He downloads every night to the computer.

Amazon.com: Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer with Advanced Omron Health Management Software: Health & Personal Care

He manages about 20,000 steps a day. Comes home from work say's Hello, goes straight down stairs and works out. He says if he doesn't do that then he wont go down there. 7 days a week. He has lost 20 lbs , I don't know why?? but if you look on my homepage link, he is built like Goliath .

__________________
"Madison AnnMarie " 6/13/2008

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=8652d1ea.pbr

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...t=adbcb309.pbr

I do leg squats while brushing my teeth. This keeps me toned...not sure it's a big calorie burner, but, it does tone. I also go from flat feet to tippy toes, this helps tone the calves.

Personally, I think any type of extra movement can only be beneficial.

__________________
Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I Looooooove the heel raisers!!!! I do that all the time standing in line, cooking dinner, really any time I'm standing in one spot. I also do keagles whenever I'm sitting. They are both second nature to me.