A Sneaky Way to Burn Extra Calories throughout the Day without Even Trying

If you work from home like I do, you probably sit in front of your computer for several hours a day. Common knowledge tells us that too much sitting and not enough body movement can result in several health problems including weight gain, muscle atrophy, and back problems.

While I am committed to a daily exercise routine, I also know that I sit way more than I used to. Therefore, I am always interested in finding little ways to burn extra calories throughout the day. As a result of experiencing some back problems from prolonged sitting, I discovered that the solution to my back problems also brought with it the side benefit of helping me burn up to 350 extra calories a day!

What is this incredible and sneaky way to burn off that glazed donut or mega mocha-chino with extra whip you couldn’t resist this morning?

Replace your office chair with a big exercise ball. Not only will you do your back a favor, but sitting on a ball throughout the day rather than a chair as you type up your blog or write your PPC campaigns or update your Twitter and Facebook posts will result in you burning extra calories.

Some other benefits of using an exercise ball as a chair include:

1. Get those 6-pack abs you want. On a ball, your core has to work to keep you stable. It may not seem like much, but think about it: with 6-10 hours of sitting on one a day, you can be rock solid in no time.
2. Improve your circulation. More body movement means your blood will be flowing throughout your body all day long. More circulation = Good. Less circulation = bad. (Ever notice that sometimes after sitting in a chair too long your legs go numb? Enough said.)
3. Feel more energized. Studies have proven that moving around throughout the day actually increases your energy, not the other way around. Sitting on a ball is not a static proposition. Too much static sitting can result in greater fatigue.
4. Get “The Cool Factor”. Let’s face it: most people don’t sit on a big ball all day at work. You will gain an automatic Cool Factor just because you choose something outside the norm. Plus, it’s simply a lot of fun!

A good quality exercise ball comes in a variety of colors and costs anywhere between $25-$80. A steal when compared to those high-priced office chairs that will not facilitate calorie burning and may cause long-term damage to your back.

I made the transition from using a chair to a ball this week and so far, I feel a tremendous difference already in how my back feels. Knowing I’m getting that extra calorie burn makes me feel pretty good, too!

Be sure to pass this post along so others can get in on this sneaky extra calorie-burning secret, too!