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It can be tricky trying to deal with all of life’s little obstacles while still making time to go for a jog. Sometimes balancing cleaning duties alone can FEEL like a full-time job. You should still make time for deliberate exercise, but taking on some important chores at home can also serve to slash calories and tone that body of yours. You’d be surprised at how hard you really work when sweeping floors.
Calorie expenditure varies based on weight as well as how much effort is put in. These are estimations for the average 150-pound person performing each chore for 30 minutes.
- Chore #1: Moving furniture– 225 calories
No, moving furniture is not fun, but it is a great workout! Not only are you getting a good deal of cardio from all the moving around, you are also working your arm, leg, and core muscles, without setting foot in the gym.
- Chore #2: Scrubbing floors– 189 calories
Next time your tile floor seems a little dull, look at it as an opportunity. Scrubbing those hard-to-remove stains can be a challenge, but you will surely build up a sweat and those squeaky clean floors will make it all worth it.
- Chore #3: Raking leaves– 171 calories
Take advantage of the cool autumn air and start raking! Enjoy the weather and turn this chore into a fun way of getting outside and slash some calories.
- Chore #4: Gardening– 162 calories
When most people think of gardening, they picture the relaxing job of watering a few seeds. Well, pulling weeds, dumping soiling and spreading mulch can also be part of that picture. Maybe you should let the weeds in your yard grow REALLY HIGH, so you can get a killer workout in a few weeks. Then again, maybe not.
- Chore #5: Mowing the lawn– 162 calories
Cutting the grass doesn’t just get your yard whipped into shape. Grass grows quick so this chore can be incorporated into your regular exercise routine. Oh, and this doesn’t count if you’re using a riding mower.
- Chore #6: Washing the car– 153 calories
I bet you didn’t realize how many squats you’d do while scrubbing the rims. Doing it yourself is cheaper than getting it done professionally too. In fact, we dare you to be extra neighborly and wash your neighbors cars too! They’ll never know you’re selfishly trying to create sexy arms, they’ll just think you’re sweet!
- Chore #7: Cleaning windows– 153 calories
What’s better than clean, shiny windows? Toned arms. You don’t need dumbbells to work those biceps.
- Chore #8: Vacuuming– 84 calories
Vacuuming is easier than sweeping but you still burn some calories. Just walking around and dragging the extra weight of the vacuum will save you some time at the gym.
- Chore #9: Washing dishes– 76 calories
You don’t even have to move around much for this one. Washing your dirty plates and cups will still burn more calories than watching T.V. though.
- Chore #10: Doing laundry– 72 calories
Unfortunately, the clothes won’t clean themselves. While this task may not be super exciting, it is necessary. Might as well look at the bright side and make the most of it!
Washing dishes might not be a substitute to swimming laps, but it all helps. The time you spend cleaning is not time wasted. So next time you’re doing your daily chores, remember that your house isn’t the only one benefiting.
