YOU don’t always need to hit the gym to stay trim.
Watching sport can use up just as many calories as playing it, according to a study.
As we told you, boffins at Loughborough University found that physical reactions to viewing exercise can be just as beneficial for your fitness level as getting in a sweat doing a real workout.
Here, we look at the other daily tasks that will ensure you feel the burn.
400 cals per hour
TRIMMING grass is as good for you as it is for the garden, working your back, glutes, hips, core, hamstrings, triceps and shoulders.
Using a push mower builds strength and endurance and zaps calories from walking.
BURN MORE: Alternate using single arms to push.
AS GOOD AS: Swimming
356 cals per hour
JUMPING, playing chase, throwing, catching and even pushing swings work your body in high-intensity bursts.
The more active, the more kcals you use.
BURN MORE: Don’t rest to keep your heart rate up.
AS GOOD AS: HIIT
250 cals per hour
DRIVING a manual car can boost hand/eye coordination through small and precise movements, like martial art tai chi.
Focusing on the road aids balance and concentration.
BURN MORE: Boogie to tunes in your seat.
AS GOOD AS: Tai chi
130 cals per hour
EXPERTS found lying in a 40°C bath for one hour can be as effective as a one hour march, boosting core temperature and metabolic rate. It also lowered blood sugar levels.
BURN MORE: Keep hot water topped up.
AS GOOD AS: Power walking
300 cals per hour
CHANGING the bed burns up to 75kcals in 15 minutes – or 300kcals for a family of four.
It matches a brisk walk or a zen yoga session as you stretch and bend.
BURN MORE: Iron sheets first to blast calories standing.
AS GOOD AS: Yoga
400 cals per hour
FILLING and carrying buckets, soaping, buffing and rinsing cars can burn 400 calories per hour.
That’s equivalent to rowing for 60 minutes.
BURN MORE: Squat to polish and buff the wheels.
AS GOOD AS: Rowing
300 cals per hour
SHOPPING can burn as many calories as cycling as you’re always up and on the move.
Browsing aids stamina, balance, coordination and leg strength.
BURN MORE: Carry bags home to boost your upper body.
AS GOOD AS: Cycling
