Whether you're a freelance writer or a virtual assistant, working from home definitely has its advantages. You get to work in your pajamas all day and create your own schedule. However, when you are sitting in your chair working all day, it can be a little difficult to get exercise in. When I started out as a freelance writer, I will admit that I spent hours in front of my computer and did not get any exercise. Then, I realized that I should get moving. Here are some helpful tips for burning calories while working from home.

1. Take Exercise Breaks

When you work from home, it is a good idea to take short exercise breaks at least every couple of hours. For example, if it is a nice day out, go for a 15-minute walk around your neighborhood. I love taking a walk with my dog when the weather is nice and sunny. It gives me a chance to clear my head and get in physical activity at the same time. When the weather isn't so nice, try doing some simple floor exercise like planks, crunches, pushups and lunges.

2. Use a Fitness Ball As a Chair

Instead of sitting in an office chair, sit on a fitness ball while you are working. It sounds a little silly, I know, but it is an easy way to get some exercise in. If you sit on a fitness ball, you can tone the muscles in your legs and improve your balance. It can be a little tricky to keep your balance on the ball at first, but it gets easier over time.

3. Start Fidgeting

Your grade school teacher might have told you to stop fidgeting in your chair, but she probably didn't know how many calories it can actually burn. If you just tap your feet or wiggle around in your seat, you can burn calories while you are working. Even if you move just a little, you are burning calories.

4. Turn Down the Thermostat

Turning down the thermostat might not sound particularly fun, but it is a super simple way to burn some extra calories while you are working. When the temperature is a little cooler, your body will work harder to stay warm, causing it to burn more calories.

5. Snack a lot

This might seem counterproductive, but snacking a lot can actually help you burn more calories throughout the day. Believe it or not, it takes a lot more energy to digest smaller meals every few hours. But before you get too excited and go for that bag of cookies, you need to stick to healthy snacks like carrots, pretzels, almonds and apple slices. These snacks are very nutritious and can help speed up your metabolism. Plus, snacking every few hours will satisfy your cravings so you don't overindulge at meal times.

Even if you work from home, you can still burn calories and stay in great shape. If you make exercise a priority, you can definitely get a great workout while you work at home.


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