Some light(er) calisthenics for those lazy days.

What's are some easy calisthenics I can use to replace heavy one's (situps/pushups) just to burn an extra few calories each day?

Does "fidgeting" really burn a significant amount of calories?

What's everyone think here?

The majority of your calories are burnt during your daily activities, not during your workout (unless you are a real athlete and your workout is not just a daily visit to the gym). When you log your activities you have to remember that whatever you burn in the gym is replacing the number of calories you burn by doing something else, not adding, so the net difference is lower. So if you jog for an hour but then watch TV for 5 hours, you can still burn less than if you walk for 6 hours or do some chores at the house. Though again i am not going to quote any research today, but some of the papers state that NEAT is what makes the difference between being obese and slim. The problem is that unless you are one of those people who just cannot sit still it is very hard to remember to move around all the time.

Wow I really never thought of it like that... That's an interesting point. So is it possible to lose weight simply by sticking to or under the RDI?

Hypothetically if you took your RDI and took off 500 calories, it would be possible to lose weight, but keep in mind that if you aren't working out consistently then your activity level is also lower so your RDI may also be lower due to a decrease in your metabolism and general calorie burn. Working out is a double edged sword against weightloss in a way, as not only do you burn more by doing the work, but your body then continues to burn more than it would have as it works to rebuild the muscles that you have worked. So while it may be possible to lose weight without additional exercise, you must remeber that your RDI drops as well.

My RDI is already based off of a "sedentary" activity level. I plan on trying to stick somewhat below it, plus add weight lifting and some calisthenics to my daily routine. I can lift 20lb weights, but not for very long. Do I go "low and long" or heavy until failure? Somewhere in the middle? I see people generally consider heavy until failure a good solution and I assume with a mixed workout I can at least make it last for a few reps per lift, and then change the muscle focus. Any opinions?

Ya I have one. I have used weights fo 6 years now all kinds too. my favorite are wrist and leg weights. The best is Low and long. Si and watch a movie alright keep a watch close to track how many minutes you have been using the weights. Doing had or wrist weights, go difrent directions usuing either 5 lb or 10lb weights I perfer 5 for hands and 10 for legs. Do one set of 10 reps and see how you feel, if you cn do another set of 10 reps. If not its ok you will do it eventually. Then change directions and switch arms. Dont rip your muscles be kind to them. I used arm weights 6 days a week no more than abou 30 minutes total on my best. I suggest only using leg weights when walking for sport/ exercise. NOT for leg lifts. Unless youdont wlk then sure its fine but like I said Do not rip your muscles. Make it fun as I said watch a movie while you do it something to ocupy tour mind with instead of the obvious. I hope this helps & good luck.