November 7, 2009

DIY housework is like exercising

Recent research refutes the myth that fitness is limited to the gym. One of the objectives of exercising is to make daily chores easier by strengthening muscles, building endurance and reducing the possibility of injury. Performing daily chores will burn fat and tone muscles, especially when done at a slightly accelerated pace for 30 minutes or more, according to fitness experts.Simpler chores such as ironing and washing dishes can burn a minimum of 76.5 calories per half hour.

VACUUM: Vacuuming engages a series of muscle groups in the upper body. The process can also tone the lower body, especially if stairs are involved. Contract your abdominal muscles to trim your waist and firm oblique.

PICK UP A BROOM: This is another excellent chore to work the upper body, especially back and side muscles. For maximum results, quicken the sweeping motion and switch sides so that both halves will be worked evenly.

DO LAUNDRY: If your house has stairs, make multiple trips to gather and put away clothes. Stair-climbing builds leg muscles and endurance.

WASH DISHES. Even busting suds can aid your quest for fitness. So give the dishwasher a break and give those pots and pans a good personal scrub.

GROCERY SHOPPING: This oftentimes burdensome chore increases heart rate while toning muscles.

SCRUB THE FLOORS: The good old-fashioned mop-and-pail way of doing it engages the entire body while boosting heart rate.

SHOVEL SNOW: There is no better time to work outside than winter, especially in the snow. The body burns additional calories trying to warm up, so grab a shovel and start clearing the driveways and sidewalks.

START GARDENING: Gardening is one of the best workouts because it uses all major muscle groups. The average person can burn anywhere from 100-120 calories per half hour while gardening.

DIY, do it yourself household work helps you as it is a form of exercise. You hardly realize it, but it is a fact. If you do household work it also is a form of exercise and thus helps.