The end of summer means the end of reruns. While we don't recommend parking in front of the TV every night, tuning in for your weekly faves can have its perks. Instead of heading to the kitchen during commercial breaks, stand up and march in place, says Scott Danberg, MS, Pritikin's director of fitness.
"Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that when people stood up and marched in place during the commercials of a one-hour TV show (about 21 minutes of commercials), they took roughly 2,100 steps. That's the equivalent of about one full mile," Danberg says. Going the extra mile during your favorite show could help you burn an extra 150 calories, he adds.
Already filled your cardio quota for the day? Even if you watch TV from the couch, you'll still reap some healthy rewards, especially if it's a comedy. Studies show a good laugh releases feel-good endorphins that can combat the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol. Just be sure to keep your total (seated) TV time to a minimum, and skip the mindless munching to enjoy your favorite shows without packing on extra pounds.
