If you’re planning on embracing the Jubilee this weekend, here’s another reason to pick up your Union flag – waving it could burn 137 calories an hour.

A recent study by fashion retailer Littlewoods.com and the University of Lincoln, School of Sport and Exercise Science found that waving your red, white and blue flag "enthusiastically" for an hour burns off the same amount of calories that are contained in a portion of Coronation chicken.

waving flag

The unlikely bingo wing buster could help the nation burn off 106bn calories throughout the Jubilee and other patriotic events coming this summer, such as the Olympics and Euro 2012, suggests the fun piece of research.

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And it looks like people in the Midlands are set to have the most toned arms in Britain, as 50% admit to having their flags ready for the weekend.

Waving enthusiastically can increase calorific expenditure by 66%, compared to standing still and not waving at all, the research suggests.

Study author Geoff Middleton advises: “Flag waving predominately uses the muscles of the upper arms, shoulders and upper torso – so either get two flags or change your waving arms frequently otherwise you may notice the difference in your arms at the end of the summer."

If flag waving isn't your thing, take a look at other inspiring ways to keep fit...

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  • 10 Inspiring Ways To Think Yourself Fit

    How to 'think yourself fit' this spring by fitness trainer and coach <a href="http://www.timweeks.co.uk/" target="_hplink"><strong>Tim Weeks</strong></a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/tim_weeks" target="_hplink"><strong>Follow Tim on Twitter</strong></a>

  • Enjoy It

    If there is no passion in what you do, even the greatest motivation power wont get you over the first hurdle. Loving what you do makes the whole 'fitness experience' a lot of fun. Think of it like your job: hate your job and the week drags by. Love your job and nothing is ever a problem and motivation is constantly high.

  • Give Yourself Plenty Of Options

    Due to your natural peaks and troughs of ones mood (especially for women due to menstrual cycle), you need to have 4 or 5 different activities to choose from depending on your mood.   If you really can't be bothered, having an easy option like a walk will mean you don't need superhero powers to motivate yourself to get off the sofa.  Try as many different activities as you can until you find a few that 'click'.

  • Set Yourself A Challenge

    However cliché this sounds, it works. This doesn't necessarily mean signing up to the London marathon or climbing Everest. It might be trying to complete a lap of the park jogging without walking.

  • Invest In A Decent Trainer

    Anyone can write a programme. The real talented trainers out there have something very special about them.   Look at Jose Mourhino. Love him or hate him. He has an amazing ability to motivate people and unlock peoples potential to allow them to reach new heights.  Having that 'motivator' at your side should be able to unlock that 'belief' within you that everyone has. Look for someone who is interested in your long term development. They can actually help you put all of these 10 items in this list into place.  Not just getting ready for the beach in 4 weeks time.

  • Build A Fortress Around You

    'Stuff' happens in life that you have to deal with as you go along (good or bad). Build a support network of good people around you for when bad times arrive. It therefore means you don't always have to rely on will power. Having good people around you can actually kick start your motivation for you without you even realising.

  • Share Your Achievements

    If you get feedback from another person, their enthusiasm can help you feel valued. If you feel good about yourself, you naturally enter a self generating positive motivation cycle.

  • Have An Incentive

    This may sound ridiculous but it can work.  Put a chart on your fridge for 10 sessions.  When you have completed all 10, treat yourself. Buy an item like a handbag, a pair of shoes or a book. The physical item is a nice reminder to yourself of how amazing you are and what you have achieved.

  • Have A Fitness Buddy

    Sometimes having a friend giving you a kick up the bum is really helpful. You can actually motivate each other. Especially useful if one can't be bothered.

  • Don't Go Over The Top

    If you go over the top and set yourself totally unrealistic goals (eg I am going to exercise everyday) the low you feel is VERY low. You then need superhuman motivational powers to get back on track.  Don't put yourself in the position in the first place.

  • Take Time Off

    If you exercise regularly, at some point you will hit a motivational lull. Therefore, when you go on holiday, enjoy yourself. Forget exercise.  It will recharge your brain so you get back that hunger.


Or check out how the world keeps fit...

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  • China: Trendy Wall Climbing

    Say goodbye to traditional rock climbing and hello to trendy interior walls in China, where people can work up a sweat climbing, but take in the nice surroundings while they're at it. The facility takes the outdoorsy feel out of rock climbing and replaces it with climbable mirrors, frames, deer heads and even flower vases.

  • UK: Dog Dancing

    Perfect for dog lovers and canine coach potatoes, this new fitness trend whips you and your dog into shape through dodgy dancing. The trend started in Wiltshire in the UK (and they've since set up a <a href="http://www.swindondogdancing.co.uk" target="_hplink">Swindon Dog Dancing School</a> and is now gradually building up a fan base and even made it on TV on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPGUN-WCYxk) " target="_hplink">Britain's Got Talent</a>.

  • USA: Karaoke Spin Class

    This energetic exercise trend combines spinning classes with your best rendition of, 'I Will Survive'. This group class is an energetic mix of cycling and singing and the reasoning behind it is that it helps get the heart pumped to an optimal level, which helps burn fat. Plus it's a lot of fun...

  • India: Laughter Yoga

    Laughter really is the best medicine in India, where hundreds of people gather round giggling and chuckling themselves fit. Although it sounds slightly odd, laughter is a great antidote for strengthening the body and mind, which is vital for healthy blood flow around the heart and maintaining a strong immune system. It also works the muscles in the face.

  • Spain: Naked Gym

    Although this isn't something all Spanish fitness fans do, one gym decided to open its cliental up to nudist gym-goers in a bid to boost membership sign-ups. The Easy Gym is the first of its kind and has pioneered a peculiar practice of stripping while keeping fit.

  • New Zealand: Poi Dancing

    Poi dancing originated in New Zealand and was known as the traditional Maori dance, but it has caught on around the world as an alternative form of exercise with an added boost of colour (or flames if you're daring enough). The exercise works arms and limbs with the spinning and throwing action.

  • New York: Coregasm

    This subtle erotic workout practice concentrates on the core muscles that apparently help release sexual tension and focusing on the inner thigh and deep quad areas. It's said to be particularly popular with the ladies as it's a great pelvic muscle toner.

  • Boston: Forza

    This wacky (but fun looking) exercise, which derived from New York, involves weapons (yes really) and combines ancient Japanese training techniques with martial arts. It's a cross between fencing (without a partner) and kickboxing (but with a sword) and tones up the arms and legs a treat.

  • California: Face Yoga

    If the Lion Face, Baby Bird, Smiling Fish Face and Puppet Face mean nothing to you, that's because you haven't discovered 'face yoga'. Originating from Boston and swiftly taking off around the globe, face yoga encourages people to stretch the face into a range of funny face-poses and promises to give you a 'natural facelift' as a result. The key is to do it for an hour once a week, topped up with 10 minutes after you've moisturised before bed.

  • China: Male Pole Dancing

    Recently it was reported that Chinese men were going crazy for pole dancing and it quickly caught on among fitness-conscious men around the world. The interest in twirling around a pole is completely different to the female agenda and instead, men are using it for its muscle strengthening abilities.