Are you trying to stay in shape but still unsure of what sitting position actually burns the most calories? You might think that standing is always the way to go, but turns out it’s not as straightforward as you might think. Whether you’re working from home or are someone who spends a lot of time on your feet, understanding the science behind how different sitting positions can help contribute towards burning more calories could be very helpful! In this blog post, we will look at why sitting in certain positions can help burn more calories and what posture should be adopted in order to achieve that. So get comfy and join us on our exploration into discovering which sitting position will prove most beneficial for calorie-burning goals!
As a general rule, the most effective way to burn calories while sitting is an active one. Simply sitting in a chair may not seem like much of a workout, but by engaging your core and using resistance bands or other workout tools, you can increase the number of calories burned.
As an experienced chiropractor and NBCE physiotherapist with almost 30 years of practice and training as an ergonomist, I am well-equipped to answer your questions on what sitting position burns the most calories. I have written a book on the subject of sitting and have been featured on national television. I have also created ergonomic seat cushions, orthopedic mattresses, and neck pain sleep pillows to improve posture and comfort while sitting. My latest project, ergonomic seat cushions, was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, giving me confidence in my ability.
What Sitting Position Burns the Most Calories?
Although it might seem counterintuitive, the sitting position that burns the most calories is actually an active one. While sitting in a chair may not seem like an intense activity, engaging your core and using resistance bands or other workout tools can help you burn more calories than if you were just to sit still. Engaging your muscles while seated helps increase blood flow, which leads to increased calorie burn. Additionally, taking regular breaks throughout the day to do some light stretching or even walking around can help to keep your metabolism going and increase calorie burning over time. Ultimately, no matter what type of sitting position you are in, staying active and moving around frequently is key for keeping your body engaged and burning more calories. *
Movement Throughout Your Day Is Essential
Search for methods to enhance your daily physical activity. Even minor modifications, like standing instead of sitting while on a call, can result in burning up to 100 calories or more daily. Begin with the following recommendations and devise your own creative solutions. *
According to the National Library of Medicine, here is a comparison of different activities and how many calories a 170-pound (77 kilograms) person can burn in an hour:
- Standing burns more calories than sitting (186 calories vs. 139 calories).
- Walking at a moderate pace burns more calories than standing (324 calories vs. 186 calories).
- Walking briskly burns more calories than moderate-paced walking (371 calories vs. 324 calories).
Is Standing Better Than Sitting for Weight Loss?
Standing and moving around can help burn more calories than sitting still. It is important to note that standing alone won’t lead to weight loss, but it can be an effective part of a comprehensive plan. Regular exercise and healthy eating are the main components of any successful weight-loss program.
If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or in front of a computer, try getting up and moving around throughout the day. Take regular breaks where you stand and stretch or walk around for a few minutes. Consider investing in an adjustable desk so you can switch between sitting and standing as needed. In addition to increasing calorie expenditure, standing also helps improve posture by encouraging better alignment when compared to sitting all day.
How Many Calories Do I Burn if I Sit All Day and Do Nothing?
The amount of calories burned while sitting still varies depending on an individual’s age, size, and sex. In general, a person who weighs 155 pounds and is sedentary will burn approximately 79–95 calories per hour. However, if that same person chooses to move around slightly or stand periodically throughout the day, they can increase their caloric expenditure further.
It’s important to note that standing all day won’t result in significant weight loss unless other lifestyle changes are made as well. To achieve results with weight-loss goals it is necessary to combine regular physical activity with healthy eating habits for permanent results.
How Much Does Standing Burn vs Sitting?
Standing and moving around burns more calories than sitting still. According to Harvard Health, a person who weighs 155 pounds can burn approximately 43 more calories per hour if they are standing when compared to sitting. While this may not seem significant, over time it adds up which could lead to improved weight-loss results.
In addition to burning more calories, standing also helps improve posture by encouraging better alignment when compared to sitting all day. This can help reduce the risk of joint pain and other musculoskeletal issues associated with long periods of sitting still. When sitting, try an ergonomic seat cushion for comfort and support:
The exact amount of extra calories burned while standing depends on an individual’s size, age, sex, and level of physical activity. So even though standing may help burn more calories than sitting, it’s important to remember that other lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and healthy eating are also necessary for long-term weight loss.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any health-related questions or concerns, please consult with your doctor.
Does Standing For 2 Hours Burn Calories?
Standing for two hours can help burn more calories than sitting still. According to Harvard Health, a person who weighs 155 pounds can burn approximately 86 additional calories per hour when standing compared to sitting. This means that after two hours of standing, they could have burned an extra 172 calories.
It’s important to note that although standing may help someone burn more calories than sitting still, it alone isn’t enough for weight loss without other lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. For long-term results with weight-loss goals, all three components need to be combined together. *
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any health-related questions or concerns, please consult with your doctor.
How Many Calories Is 1 KG?
1 kilogram (kg) is equal to roughly 7,000 calories. This means that in order to lose 1 kg of body weight, a person needs to create an energy deficit of 7,000 calories. This can be done through a combination of reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity.
It’s important to note that creating too large of an energy deficit can result in decreased performance, illness and difficulty losing fat due to the body’s protective mechanisms kicking in. Therefore, it is recommended to aim for a slow and steady approach when trying to lose weight with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity instead of extreme dieting or exercise programs.
How Many Calories Do 10,000 Steps Burn?
10,000 steps are the equivalent of roughly 5 miles and can help burn anywhere from 300-400 calories depending on a person’s weight, age, sex, and intensity level. To maximize calorie-burning potential it may be beneficial to aim for higher-intensity activities such as jogging or running instead of walking.
It’s important to note that while 10,000 steps can help increase caloric expenditure and improve overall health, other lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and healthy eating are also necessary for long-term weight loss.
Summary
If you are looking to burn more calories, it is important to focus on being active even when seated. Engaging your muscles and movement will help increase calorie burning throughout the day. Taking regular breaks for a light activity or stretching will also help keep your metabolism going so you can continue to burn calories long after you have finished working out. No matter what type of sitting position you find yourself in, remember to stay active in order to see results.
Sources:
- European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 25, Issue 5, 1 March 2018, Pages 522–538, https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487317752186
- Pedro B. Júdice, Marc T. Hamilton, Luís B. Sardinha, Theodore W. Zderic & Analiza M. Silva
European Journal of Applied Physiology volume 116, pages263–273 (2016) - Pedersen, S.J., Cooley, P.D. and Mainsbridge, C., 2014. An e-health intervention designed to increase workday energy expenditure by reducing prolonged occupational sitting habits. Work, 49(2), pp.289-295.
