3 Super Easy Ways To Burn Body Fat
Featured on TheSimpleSeven.com, #uncovidme is a blog for reversing weight-gain & related unhealthiness during covid.
It may be hard to believe, but there are easy ways to burn fat. This was true before the pandemic began, and it couldn’t be more welcome than now, at a time when we’re no longer shamed or guilted — even encouraged — for doing what’s “easy.” If it’s taken the coronavirus to bring this to light, then I’m thankful!
I define easy as “ease of doing” and convenient. So, you’ll be happy to find out that these ways do not require:
- Changing into special clothing. Comfortable clothes that you’re probably already wearing (living in, me) will do (sweat pants and hoodies, me).
- Nor adhering to a schedule. You can pick up and do them anytime (on a whim, me).
- And they require absolutely no special skills or equipment. You make use of the your glorious body for both the skills and as the equipment (sore shoulder and recovering twisted ankle, me).
Plus, they’re free!
But before I give you the good news, let’s review some teeny, tiny, not so good news.
First, there is no magic bullet for weight loss.
The formula for losing weight — or, technically, body fat — and permanently keeping it off is this:
Take in only the number of calories your body needs (diet)
+
burn excess body fat (exercise).
My super duper, easy ways to burn fat help with the second half of the equation. Here’s some help with the first half of the equation.
Second, these incredibly, over-the-top easy things to do require doing them consistently. You brush your teeth every day, right? Eat your meals. Make your bed (I’m working on it). Slow and steady wins the weight loss race, and with consistency, slow becomes faster. Rest assured, they’re so easy that consistency won’t be a problem.
Finally, these even-my-88-year-old-mother-can-do-them ways to burn fat will raise your heart rate and therein lies the magic; a lower elevated heart rate burns fat during the activity, while higher rates burn fat later — a win-win. Plus, there are myriad other benefits: seeing my mother’s joy, her eyes bright, working out stiffness and encouraging sound sleep. PS. I’m not comparing you with my mother; she makes me look bad.
Start slowly and gently — so you don’t get injured and have to stop to recover — and gradually build up. Always make sure that you are working at an intensity where you can easily breathe; never hold your breath.
So, (drumroll) here they are.
#1 — Do steps
Great for: Those who live in an apartment building or near steps in a public space; those who have discomfort, difficulties or a mild injury in the upper body.
When I was living in a 20 story apartment building in NYC, I used to walk up the 20 floors in the stairwell, then take the elevator down — to keep my heart rate elevated between climbs — 10 times. You might say borrrinng, but as one who gets bored easily, this was my no-brainer way of burning fat while I was reflecting on my day and working off stress.
#2 — Use Your Arms
Great for: Less active persons and those with physical limitations, in general; those who have discomfort, difficulties, or a mild injury in the lower body.
Try this: Stand in place or sit down and gently move your arms above your heart nonstop for as little as five to ten seconds. Your heart rate will begin to rise. That’s all it takes. Now, to make moving your arms fun, sitting or standing, put on some music and move your arms in creative ways! Move your legs, too, and dance, if you’d like!
#3 — Walk up a hill
Great for: Nature lovers who like to spend time outdoors; people who have a safe, scenic neighborhood in which to walk; people with walking buddies.
In the same way that exerting your arms will kick up your heart rate, so will exerting your legs walking up a hill — it takes effort. Choose a level that’s comfortable for you, a slight incline or something steeper. When I’m out hiking or walking through the neighborhood, there are a variety of levels, and I choose the pace according to my energy level. Walking even very slowly uphill still raises your heart rate.
So, which way are you going to get started?
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The Simple Seven © Marlene Veltre 2021 All rights reserved
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The information in this post is to be used for educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice or to prevent, cure, or heal any illness or disease. You should always see your doctor or health practitioner.
Originally published at https://www.thesimpleseven.com on March 7, 2021.
