Print This PageThe Ultimate in Multi-Tasking - Lose Weight While Working at Your Desk
May 29, 2007
by: Stephanie
If it works, this could be the best weight loss invention yet - the ability to easily burn almost 120 extra calories per hour while working at your computer.
The origin of this thinking comes from Dr. James Levine, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, who found that any incremental movement, even fidgeting, burns extra calories. From this, he extrapolated that even very light aerobic activity would cause the body to greatly increase the rate at which it burns calories, a process called non-exercise activity thermogenesis.
To study his hypothesis, he invented a computer workstation that can be used while walking slowly - very slowly - on a treadmill, and recently released the results of a small research study that evaluated how many calories this would burn.
The recent study included 15 obese individuals - 14 women and one man - in their forties who did no regular exercise. Their average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 32 and percent body fat was 52%. Using the treadmill at 1mph burned 119 more calories per hour during the study than sitting while working, which would indicate that walk-working for 2 to 3 hours per day could lead to a weight loss of about 45 pounds in a year according to Dr Levine.
The author acknowledged that the study was limited by several factors, including its short duration, which did not extend throughout an entire workday, the small number of subjects, and the concentration of women.
My personal sense is that while this is attractive in theory, I would rather separate work and exercise. I much prefer the mood enhancing qualities from the endorphins produced by a good aerobic workout over low level activity.
Primary source: The energy expenditure of using a "walk-and-work" desk for office-workers with obesity. BritishJournal of Sports Medicine online.
Posted by: Stephanie Burke
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Subject: The Real Deal
Interesting posts today. I read that blog as well, it's really fascinating how he incorporate his treadmill and his laptop, doing exercise while working. If most of your idle days are spent just sitting behind your desk, here are some steps to help you lose weight, without giving up your job. Keep healthy snacks in your drawer, so whenever temptation of a vending machine hit you, you can easily pull it out a healthy alternative. Ask your employer for help. Many big companies will integrate an on-site gym or weight-loss program, knowing that healthier employees are more successful. Design or allot room for a home gym machine. There are good quality machines that are inexpensive and effective. No matter how busy you are, treating your body well is very important. Stress caused by lifestyle and fast-paced work environment can not only increase the fat on your body, but it can consume you making you lazy and tired. Taking care of your body is very important. A little movement each day, goes a long way to a healthier lifestyle.
September 4th, 2008
Subject: Hydrate
Great article!
Another simple, yet often overlooked, way to lose belly fat is to hydrate!
Proper hydration is one easy and successful strategy to include in your toolbox of successful weight loss techniques to get rid of love handles and lose belly fat.
Water is important to help neutralize acids, dilute excess acids and flush them out of the body by means of urine, bowels and sweat. Without enough water, your body becomes too acidic and begins to store fat to protect your vital organs and tissues – and, even as much as a 2% drop in body water can turn on the fat storage!
The average person will lose 3-4 liters (101-135oz) of fluid during the day simply going about their daily life ... when you introduce other dehydrating factors such as exercise, sweating, illness, temperature, humidity or altitude - that number increases. In fact, of the 3-4 liters - you lose 1-2 liters just from breathing!
To your good health,
Charlie
December 17th, 2008
Subject: It's a great idea but how
It's a great idea but how about small steppers or peddles to fit under your desk to exercise your legs while sitting. I'm here like others hours a day and can use the exercise. Especially for those who are really over weight if dieting doesnt work and weight loss surgery is a last resort these are perfect people to get exercising through out the day.
March 3rd, 2009