Is Writing Good For Us?

A while ago I read an article in a magazine that said people who sit and think about working out, about weightlifting or running burn more calories 'at rest' than those who thought of non-physical activities. This study seemed well researched and tested, with large survey groups all sitting wired up to machines and given specific tasks and things to think about while they sat. The results did seem conclusive and when you think about them, it makes sense.

I want to know does this apply onto to working out. I mean it is clear that the issue at hand is that thinking burns calories. So where does that leave us writers.

Let's face it, every movement the body makes burns calories, when we type we are moving our fingers, just look at your forearms the next time you are mid flow on your novel or next blog post. See those muscles flying around, contracting and relaxing. That is the same principle as working out. Albeit to a lesser degree. There must be some calorie burn there right.

Then what about our brains, if thinking about working out helps to burn calories, then watch about thinking how to take 5 main characters, lead them through the many different multiverses of Hell and save all existence as we know it? If that doesn't cause a mental sweat I don't know what will.

Sure, we won't be burning Tour De France style calories, or really notice any difference in our over all fitness or wellbeing, but hey, in a body conscious world where every calories can be crucial, any extra thrown out of the door are always a  good thing right?

Besides what better excuse could you give when confronted with the phrase "Are you behind that computer again" (or any variants thereof) that to say. "It's fine, I'm working out."