This has got to be the easiest way to boost the benefits of your workout: Just think about them.
Sounds crazy, right? But it was true in a study of hotel workers. Just 4 weeks after the room cleaners were educated on how their duties counted toward their exercise needs, they saw a drop in weight and blood pressure -- despite no changes in overall activity levels.
Placebo Effect at Work
Changing bed linens, vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing the bathroom floor -- it's not spin class, but it is physical activity. And if you do physically active things with the right mind-set (namely, think "This is good for me."), it could translate into greater health gains. Just chalk it up to that mind-body connection to which so many other health benefits (like the placebo effect) have been traced. (Read this article on how the mind-body connection can ease pain.)
Think About It
You need only about 30 minutes of exercise daily to meet the surgeon general's physical activity recommendations. And keep in mind that things like pulling weeds, painting the garage door, and folding laundry count toward that total. And we mean literally keep it in mind. Couldn't hurt, right? (Find out what it would take to burn off your favorite comfort food.)
Top 10
Check out this list of top 10 calorie-burning chores.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Take the RealAge Test
Sounds crazy, right? But it was true in a study of hotel workers. Just 4 weeks after the room cleaners were educated on how their duties counted toward their exercise needs, they saw a drop in weight and blood pressure -- despite no changes in overall activity levels.
Placebo Effect at Work
Changing bed linens, vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing the bathroom floor -- it's not spin class, but it is physical activity. And if you do physically active things with the right mind-set (namely, think "This is good for me."), it could translate into greater health gains. Just chalk it up to that mind-body connection to which so many other health benefits (like the placebo effect) have been traced. (Read this article on how the mind-body connection can ease pain.)
Think About It
You need only about 30 minutes of exercise daily to meet the surgeon general's physical activity recommendations. And keep in mind that things like pulling weeds, painting the garage door, and folding laundry count toward that total. And we mean literally keep it in mind. Couldn't hurt, right? (Find out what it would take to burn off your favorite comfort food.)
Top 10
Check out this list of top 10 calorie-burning chores.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
|
Try It: Learn how to make your mind work for you with Nordine Zouareg's book Mind Over Body: The Key to Lasting Weight Loss Is All in Your Head  . He'll help you master the mental tools you need to keep on track with your weight loss goals.
|
Take the RealAge Test