Do you ever wonder if you "snuck in" a workout?

Maybe afterward you thought, "Wow, I feel like I am tired now. I wonder if that burned any calories?"

I'm curious about this as well, so I thought I would write about the many modes of movement and calorie burn that I've researched.

Let's investigate what burns those calories and what doesn't.

Let's say, you just ...

• Held down the couch.
You wouldn't think it, would you? However, sitting burns 68 calories an hour. Now, if you are munching on anything, this will negate that calorie loss quickly. However, this gives you a good frame of reference for calorie burn of everything else below.


• Ate celery.

Really, is this true? Do I burn off the celery as I eat it? I find this idea intriguing, but since I equate eating celery with torture, this is not worth it to me.

According to wikianswers.com: "Though celery does take a rather conscious effort to chew, chewing burns about the same amount as watching the grass grow. The calorie loss is going to be during the digestion of the celery. ... Keep in mind, the amount of calories you lose is very minimal. This is not the miracle diet food. The amount of calories lost will probably be no more than 10-12 calories a day. The good news is celery can quickly satiate your hunger, preventing you from eating other high-calorie foods."

So there you have it. If you really like celery, enjoy. Otherwise, watch your grass grow, since that seems to be just as efficient.

 

• Climbed a ladder.

I don't know why you did, but I wonder if that climb does anything. If you feel lightheaded afterward, maybe it is the change in elevation, or did you burn calories? Caloriecount.com says that climbing or using a ladder for an hour is about 544 calories an hour. So, there you have it. Start climbing, but be careful that you don't fall. (I don't think a fall burns any calories, right?)

• Had sex.
  

Okay, here's the answer, according to caloriecount.com. If you are just kissing, not doing a whole lot of movement, it is about 70 calories an hour. If you are waking the neighbors and simultaneously trying out some yoga moves, it is around 106 calories an hour.

Caloriewise, sex isn't really a workout. However, the release of hormones has been shown to keep us living longer, and it contributes to weight loss. Plus, if you are having sex, you are less likely to be snacking on carbs watching reality TV.

In other words, don't do it for the calorie loss, do it because it's a good time and will keep you alive longer!

• Went grocery shopping.

Not so great here. If you are pushing a cart around, it is around 156 calories an hour (caloriecount.com). I know that I find grocery shopping to be exhausting with kids, so I wonder about the accuracy of this data. My shopping adventures involve lots of lifting, pushing, yelling and chasing after delinquent children. Good to know that at least you lose some calories while you lose your patience!

• Cleaned out the car.

So, if you are vigorously cleaning that car, you burn around 204 calories an hour (caloriecount.com). However, you waste lots of water in the process. Better to simply drive to the gym and stop by a car wash on the way home, since car washes keep water from overwhelming our sewer system. Or, better yet, just walk around the neighborhood and keep the car in the garage. Save the environment here.

• Chased after your defiant 2 year old.

If you chased that little goofball for an hour, that would be 544 calories (caloriecount.com). So, hopefully you are in a safe area for chasing, and just play a long game of tag. This is multitasking at its best.

I hope you enjoy your accidental workout today!

Eva Johnson is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer who has burned at least 68 calories while typing this blog. She lives in chaos with her husband and two boys. To see her complete blog about how to stay sane and in shape in the real world, visit www.fitnessbyeva.com.