Running is becoming increasingly popular, which is understandable - it helps you lose weight and tighten your body in the shortest amount of time. But what about those who don't like running or aren't medically recommended? Find out how to replace a treadmill workout.
There are some simple things that can replace an hour of running. Or almost replace it. Let's make it clear that we're talking about the equivalent of calories expended, not the benefits to muscles and joints.
The average person requires about 2,000 calories daily for women and 2,500 for men. This figure may vary according to weight, climate and living conditions.
An hour of running at a medium speed will consume about 600 calories. The heavier the weight, the more calories we expend, because the body puts in extra effort. Losing calories does not necessarily mean losing weight: to lose weight, you need a caloric deficit, but in any case exercise helps you not to gain excess weight.
According to several scientific studies, sometimes we waste those 600 calories without even knowing it. So, what is it?
1.5 hours on the exercise bike = 1 hour of running
Cycling for an hour means 400 calories burned. The benefits? That hour and a half of cycling can be your new way of getting to work. It's also environmentally friendly. Well, and if you have your own exercise bike at home, you're lucky.
10 minutes under an ice shower = 1 hour of running
This technique is familiar to many athletes - an ice shower after a workout not only allows you to tone your muscles and achieve relief, but also to burn off extra calories. By warming up, your body utilises its stores. A three-minute shower at under 18 degrees can help you lose around 200 calories. Yes, it's the least enjoyable way of doing it. And it's an ordeal only true heroes can endure. But we didn't promise a fairy tale.
2.5 hours of dancing = 1 hour of running
On average, an hour of dancing (excluding acrobatic rock and roll or flamenco) results in a loss of about 200 calories. So while you're partying or at a concert, you're also burning calories. And a day at a music festival is the equivalent of a good marathon.
1.5 hours of gardening = 1 hour of running
Digging, planting, weeding, lifting bags of earth or fertiliser is sport in itself. The body burns an average of 450 calories in 1 hour of intensive gardening. Planting roses and strawberries is certainly more efficient than planting aloe vera on your windowsill, but equally useful in combating stress.
2 hours of laughter = 1 hour of running
10 minutes of loud laughter burns 60 calories due to our muscles (especially our abs) contracting hard during this time. A great argument in favour of watching a comedy show or your favourite comedy: it's good for your health and morale.
4 horror films = 1 hour of running
Muscle contraction, adrenaline rush: a horror film is equivalent to about 150 calories burned, according to a study by Westminster University in the UK. A horror movie marathon can replace an hour of running, provided you are really scared.
3 sexual acts = 1 hour of running
"Sport for two" is not a myth. A Canadian study published in 2013 proves that intercourse lasting around 25 minutes burns 200 calories. So if you make love three times in 24 hours, you can eat dessert with a clear conscience - your figure won't suffer. The big advantage of this method is that you don't have to spend money on sports clothes and equipment.
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