Do you find it hard to get to the gym because there’s always so much to do at home? Give up the struggle and combine your exercise with your housework. You can burn tons of calories while cleaning your home, and it doesn’t take much extra effort.
Check out these five ways to get your exercise in while doing housework.
Squats and Lifts While Doing Laundry
Sorting, washing, and folding laundry is a huge chore. You can get a workout by lifting your laundry basket and carrying it at a 90-degree angle. This requires more effort than supporting the basket with your hip, and it works your arms. Also, add squats while sorting and folding. Every time you pick up a new piece of laundry, hold a squat for a few seconds. This works best when standing at a table and reaching down to a basket on the floor.
Lunges While Vacuuming
Vacuuming works your arms and shoulders because of the back and forth motion it requires. However, you can get even more of a workout from vacuuming by adding lunges. Keep your back straight and lunge forward, keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle. This works your butt, hips, and thighs. Just alternate sides every five strokes to get an even workout. You’ll really feel the burn after vacuuming a few rooms this way.
Tone Shoulders and Arms While Scrubbing Tubs and Floors
Scrubbing gives you an intense workout because of the required force. Get the most out of this cleaning exercise by scrubbing in a circular motion, using both hands at the same time. Then, bend down on the floor and contract your stomach muscles as you more your arms back and forth in front of you. You’ll feel this workout in your arms, shoulders, and core.
Calf Raises While Washing Dishes
There’s always pots and pans that don’t fit in your dishwasher. Add calf raises while you’re standing at the sink and washing your dishes. Stand with your legs hip-width apart. Next, rise up onto your tiptoes and hold the position for five to 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise continually until the dishes are done.
Work Your Core Stomach Muscles While Sweeping and Dusting
Sweeping and dusting work your arms and shoulders, but they’re not as intense as vacuuming. Therefore, add in your core muscle group to this exercise. When sweeping your floors, tighten your stomach muscles and hold them for as long as you can. Rest and then repeat the exercise until your floors are clean. Also, make sure that you sweep and dust as quickly as possible to add an aerobic component. Focus on the areas of your home that accumulate dust more easily.
When you’re done cleaning your house, you’ll feel like you just finished at the gym, but the best part is that your house is clean, too. Combining cleaning with your workout is one of the best ideas ever, especially for people who are busy and can’t seem to find time to do both.
