Burning Calories While Helping Others
My husband and I have been busy this past week. The best workout I got was definitely this past Thursday. We volunteered to distribute commodities to families in our county. We were told this is one of the largest counties this agency services.
I spent four hours lifting grocery bags full of food into a shopping cart and then unloading them in the people’s trunks. I always seemed to get the person that was parked at the far end of the parking lot. I had to laugh to myself when I’d ask them where they were marked and they would point and say, “Way down there.” I said to myself, “Ah, just more exercise.”
I forgot to bring my Onrom pedometer. It’s the perfect size and easy to use. I didn’t take one break during the four hours of food distribution. Heck, just pushing the cart from one end of the armory to the other was quite a haul. All in all, it was a great day. I was tired when I got done but my arms and legs didn’t hurt.
This agency only distributes food 3 or 4 times a year. This makes the 3rd time in succession I have helped. I can see I am getting in better shape. The first time I only worked for two hours and went home a whipped puppy and my arm and leg muscles were sore for a few days. Three months ago, I helped for about 2 and half hours and had sore arms for a few days.
I enjoyed talking with the people as we walked to their cars. I hope I was able to brighten someone’s day. I look forward to the next commodity day. I’ll be volunteering again. Perhaps the next time, I’ll remember my pedometer.
November 13th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Nice article. You surely lose weight with that work. And the same time helping others is such a nice thing. You prove that we can help and lose weight at the same time. Keep it up.
Thank you
November 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Wow, sounds like you were busy! My husband and I spent the weekend re-arranging all the furniture in our house and got quite a workout too! Way to spice up your exercise routine!
November 19th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Lots happening. I’ve played around with a number of weight loss approaches but have found this one published in Women’s Health to be pretty helpful and convincing.
Women’s Health Dec-08
November 20th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I enjoyed reading what you did, I always think that you always feel better for the amount of exercise you do and also the effort of going out of your way to help someone else
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 am
Great post! You have come up with some inventive ways to exercise and it is so important to our weight and overall health! Kudos to you!
Erica
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 am
That’s a great way to keep track of your fitness results - something you do every 3 months or so, and then keeping track of how you feel afterwards! I certainly noticed the first time I couldn’t play with our kids properly - that was a great spur to lose those pounds. Same thing as you do get healthier. Great post!
November 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
What a great idea! Two things to make you feel good in one. Thanks for sharing.
November 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
great post! Best post ive read in a while, ive been training for a while and this info is def on point and should be shared with all.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Thanks for sharing.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
That is a great way to get “heart” work in, in more ways than one! Great idea and great generosity. Acts like that should always be applauded!
November 29th, 2008 at 6:37 am
WOW! That is such a unique, noble idea!
And the best part is everyone can do this and feel great while also helping someone!
You have really inspired me!
November 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
It’s great to see that you are finding ways to lose weight and stay healthy while helping people out. It just goes to show that almost any activity can be taken advantage of in order to get a little exercise.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Good work. It’s worthwhile to stop the instinctual habits that tell us to take the path of least resistance, the easy way out. Instead, choose take the path of more resistance anytime you can. Anywhere you can squeeze in some extra steps or movement, do it. Park further out from your destination, pace or stand at home or in the office while on the phone, reading or simply talking to someone. It all adds up.
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Well done on that good work. I can attest to the power of training, without realising. I was baby sitting recently, and was carrying a 7 mth cupped in my arms, trying to rock her to sleep. My arm nearly fell off, it was so tired.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I agree this is a wonderful activity
December 5th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hope you’re doing okay. Give an update when you can! Sending positive thoughts your way.
December 8th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Wow! A great idea to accomplish two tasks and benefit at the same time. But regarding weight loss, I am not very sure as a physical activity for a day cannot reduce much weight. I feel it has to be continuous one.
December 9th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Great Artical.
Since my wife and I went on our weight loss / Fitness goals We now park our car at the end of the Store parking lot and and always make a point to return the shopping cart to the front of the store. This means we take three trips from the car to the front of the store.
We also watch what we eat and supplment with Herbalife.
never give up
December 9th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I’ve tried Herbalife. The only thing that got lighter for me after taking all those different pills and drinking that stuff was…. my WALLET!!!