A small study of 169 adults conducted in Australia by researchers at the University of Queensland, Hurston, Queensland, found that just one minute of standing and walking around made a difference in the circumference of the waist over a period.
They found that people who got up regularly to switch the TV channels by hand, rather than using the remote had a stomach circumference that was on the average 2 1/2 inches smaller than those who used a remote. That’s almost un-American to get up and switch the channel by hand. Perhaps that is why it was conducted in Australia because it is unlikely they would find 169 adults in the United States who would actually get up and manually change channels.
This same study revealed that these small amounts of activity also led to a lower body mass index, lower glucose and triglyceride levels in those who were physically active while watching different stations on their TV. This led the researchers to make further recommendations as to how to control the ever-expanding waistline of native Australians.
They recommended standing up when answering the telephone and walking around while talking. This is much easier accomplished if you have a portable phone since most phone cords limit your mobility to within at most five or six feet. Not only can you walk around with your phone at home you can do the same at your job if you use a speakerphone, which many people find is annoying and crosses the threshold of proper business office etiquette.
They also suggested, while at work, taking the long way back to your desk. However, you probably ought to be holding onto some papers so it looks like you are busy while wandering around the office, otherwise people may just think that you are lost or don’t have anything to do, which is a possibility.
If you want to look really odd in your office, do a few stretches before you open up and read a new e-mail. All of these suggestions may be fine if you own the business or work with your wife but it’s uncertain whether most modern business offices would allow such shenanigans to go on.
The thought that small amounts of activity can help shrink your stomach certainly is nice, but the more realistic fact is that combining more strenuous activity, coupled with less daily caloric intake would have an even greater impact on your waistline.
Physically Fit Seniors 