Hopefully you’ve been keeping active and exercising regularly throughout the winter, but let’s face it, it’s not always easy to get moving when you’re all bundled up in layers! But spring is just around the corner, and that means warmer weather for outdoor exercise and of course…Spring Cleaning! Sure, most people aren’t counting down the days to clean and organize the house, but it is a great opportunity to get things done that you’ve been putting off all winter and burn lots of extra calories without having to step foot in the gym.
As Shayne Lamas says, “A chore a day keeps the cellulite away!” It’s true; housework can burn major calories – and you’ll get the house clean and organized at the same time. It’s a win-win!
Here are some average calorie counts on basic household chores (you’ll burn more the harder you work, so throw some lunges in there!):
- cleaning (light dusting, straightening up, etc): 170 calories per hour
- cleaning (washing the windows, etc): 204 calories per hour
- moving furniture: 408 calories per hour
- washing floors: 258 calories per hour
- sweeping floors: 224 calories per hour
- vacuuming: 238 calories per hour
- putting things away (like laundry): 204 calories per hour
- clearing things from your yard: 204 calories per hour
It may not be the solution to your dreams of a six-pack, but it’s a great way to get the body moving and burn some extra calories throughout the day!