Take A Stand

We don’t necessarily have to engage in high-impact, high-intensity, high-energy workouts to reap important health benefits. Sometimes, all we need to do is, literally, stand up. New research from the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org) reveals that simple everyday tricks and tasks, they refer to as NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) can make a positive difference. Fidget with an elastic stress ball, roll a tennis ball around with your feet under your desk, reach your arms up overhead, walk over to your co-worker’s office instead of calling their extension, or rock back and forth in your chair. Mayo researchers claim that by including more NEAT activities in your daily life, you can improve the levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, and insulin in your blood, not to mention burning more calories. So stand up once in a while, and experiment with other ways to insert new activities and movements into your routine. Every little bit counts.