RUNNING to catch the bus, walking three minutes to the office canteen and climbing two flights of stairs to the boardroom meeting may annoy you now, but there are actually health benefits to these activities.

You’re not exactly doing a 30-minute workout at the gym, but a few stair climbs and light running activities daily can do wonders for your body.

Dr Alfred Dawes, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon said these activities will help burn calories, but how much will depend on the physical make-up of the individual.

“The number of calories burnt depends on your weight, age, gender etc,” he said.

But even a little exercise, however unintentional, goes a long way.

Running to catch the bus

According to track and field coach Julian Robinson, this activity will help burn calories and if you run faster, it will help to increase your heart rate. Doing this consistently will ward off diseases like hypertension and obesity. So the next time you see that elusive number 47 driving away while you’re hurrying to the bus stop, don’t fume, channel your inner Shelly-Ann and beat it to the next bus stop.

Climbing a long flight of stairs

Dr Dawes said a 30-year-old woman of average height and 160 pounds will burn 20 calories walking upstairs. Walk up and down several times for the day, instead of using the elevator, and watch your legs and heart smile.

Ironing and washing dishes

These are probably two of the most mundane household chores, but Dr Dawes said if the same 30-year-old woman ironed or washed the dishes for 30 minutes, the result would be the same as doing jumping jacks, or doing sit-ups for the same period.

Walking

“Walking for an extra 30 minutes instead of driving will add an extra 160 calories to her day’s workout,” Dr Dawes said.

“These extra calories add up, and by cutting her intake by simply reducing sugary drinks from her diet, she would see the pounds slowly melting away without hitting the gym once.”

— KH