6 Household chores that count as exercise to keep you fit and productive
No time to hit the gym because of all the work you need to do around the house? Worry not, turn your home into a "workout space" with these ideas!
As much as we'd like to follow in the footsteps of our fitspiration celebrity moms on Instagram, who practically live in the gym, we often get caught up in the demands of work and home, forcing us to push our fitness plans to the bottom of our to-do list.
Household chores don't have to be a boring routine that keeps the house spic and span. It can be a fun way to get fit! Hear are some chores that count as exercise, if you try a little alterations to how you usually do it!
1. Doing the dishes
Instead of standing motionless, save for your arms, in front of the sink, why not try moving your waist in consistent, circular movements. Imagine yourself as a hula dancer swaying to soft beach music. Put on some of your favorite songs to make the task feel less like a chore.
For more tips, check out this practical exercise video.
2. Food preparation
Do away with the food processor and chop fruits and vegetables on your own, suggests Weight Watchers. Work those arms, too, by reaching for the top shelf. You can also take time to reorganize your pantry. The constant motion of lifting cans can help tone and trim, when done often enough.
3. Redecorating
Painting the walls of a room as well as rearranging your furniture is a good way to burn calories.
Tidy and pleasant interior design also has positive effects on your psychological well-being.
4. Cleaning floors
While mopping and vacuuming helps you exercise your arms and tummy, bending down and scrubbing the floor with a wet rag while alternating it with squatting can be even more effective. Buffing the floors with a bunot also helps you exercise and tone your thighs and legs.
5. Doing the laundry
Washing clothes takes a lot of energy, especially if you're not using a washing machine. If you're squatting in front of a basin, make sure to be aware of your core or midsection. Try to stand up in between scrubbings and squat back down slowly as you scrub. Lifting loads of wet laundry would also be a great way to lift weights without hitting the gym.
6. Washing your car
Like scrubbing floors, washing your car gives you plenty of opportunity to stretch and bend while exerting effort into scrubbing. Try to lift buckets of water to and from the faucet instead of using a hose. Why not try using a tabo? This way, you can burn more calories as opposed to when you're simply using a hose.
Learn how to do the Hamstring toner and other exercises through the video below.
Though these are helpful ways to get fit while being productive, it's important to keep your calorie intake in check, not depending on housework as your only form of physical activity.
READ: Super fun exercises that you can do with your kids!
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