Jobs to Do Around the House Instead of Going to the Gym

We know that exercise is essential to longevity, but how we choose to get that exercise varies widely. For healthy adults, the CDC recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, five days a week.This means getting your heart pumping by walking, running, biking

  1. Scrub, Vacuum, and Mop

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    scrubbing floors burns calories

    First of all, remember that most of us need 30 minutes of consistent, heart-pumping exercise every day. If you’re using housework to reach a fitness goal, be sure you don’t overestimate the amount of time you’re actively cleaning. As one study found, overestimating can backfire, leading to weight gain. So, set your phone’s timer to 30 minutes, put on your favorite music, and get cleaning. Your floors are a good place to start: Thirty minutes of vigorous scrubbing, vacuuming, and mopping can burn between 99 and 166 calories, depending on your weight and the intensity of activity.

    Photo: istockphoto.com

  2. Refresh Linens

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    changing linens doubles as a workout

    When it comes to exercise, “every moment counts,” according to Dr. Andrea LaCroix of the University of California, San Diego. “Improving levels of physical activity both light and moderate could be almost as effective as rigorous regular exercise at preventing a major chronic disease,” notes LaCroix. In your efforts to accumulate physical activity, don’t discount the benefits of stripping and remaking beds, which burns between 187 and 300 calories for 30 minutes of work (depending on your weight and the level of intensity).

    Photo: istockphoto.com

  3. Reboot Your Bathrooms

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    bathroom cleaning workout

    Spend at least 30 minutes to an hour cleaning your bathrooms, and you’ll be rewarded with shiny, germ-free surfaces—and strong arms. To make the most of this activity, thoroughly cover all the bases: scrub the shower stall and bathtub, wet-vac floors, polish faucets and mirrors, and wipe down all hard surfaces. While you’re at it, zap away additional calories by removing and laundering the shower curtain and towels.

    Mow the Lawn

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    mowing the lawn can be strenuous

    Pushing a lawn mower for 30 minutes can definitely give you a workout, especially if your property is uneven: The strain of pushing the mower up and down hills will strengthen your leg and arm muscles. Operating a riding mower can also burn calories, but as you are sitting the whole time, it’s no substitute for an aerobic workout. For an average adult, 30 minutes of pushing a lawn mower burns between 135 and 185 calories.

    Find a Clean-Out Buddy

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    Enlist a friend or partner to help you get your attic, garage, or basement in tip-top shape. The work will go faster, and you may get your body in shape as well. Research shows that working out with a buddy increases the amount of exercise we do, so teaming up with a friend may also make you more productive on these major cleaning-out projects.

    https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/12-jobs-to-do-around-the-house-instead-of-going-to-the-gym-53390#move-furniture-good-workout