HEALTH

Workouts

Work it! Make your chores do double duty

With all that extra time you have this summer, mom and dad will no doubt be loading on the list of chores for you to do around the house. This may seem like a drag, but did you know that you are actually getting a great workout from all these tasks? With each chore you cross off the list, you’ll be burning calories and toning your muscles. Not to mention, your house will be looking spic-and-span! Next time you wake up to a list of chores, don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em. Put on some music and dance around while you clean to burn some extra calories and make the chores a little more fun. Here are some tasks we think will give you quite the workout.

Washing windows

Cleaning windows can certainly be a lot of work. The reaching and wiping motions will target the muscles in your arms and backs, and you can also burn up to 200 calories per hour. Once those windows are clean, you’ll have accomplished a great workout and the bright sun shining in will put ya in a great mood.

Scrubbing the floors

If your momma asks you to clean the floors before she gets home from work, try getting down on your hands and knees instead of just using a mop. This will burn up to 350 calories an hour, and will work your core muscles as you keep balance while you scrub.

Or…moppin’

If you’d rather mop instead of scrub, go ahead! That will give you a workout too. Although not as intense as scrubbing, mopping can allow you to burn up to 122 calories in 30 minutes, while it tones your shoulders and biceps.

Or…vacuuming

But what if your floors are carpet instead of hardwood or tile? Don’t worry! Vacuuming will do the trick too. Not only will it tone your arms, but it also gives you a nice cardio workout, allowing you to burn up to 165 calories an hour.

Folding laundry

Folding laundry may not seem like a great workout since you’re just sitting down not really moving, but you’d be surprised how much it helps keep you in shape! In only 20 minutes of folding laundry, you can burn up to 40 calories. For an extra kick, try putting everyone’s laundry away. This will get you up and moving for some extra cardio.

Dusting up a storm

The thought of sneezing and sneezing can really make dusting an unappealing task, but wait till you hear the benefits it can have on your bod! Dusting can burn up to 160 calories per hour, and can also increase your flexibility. Reaching hard-to-get places will allow a great stretch throughout your whole body, while the muscles in your back will be constantly working.

Other great workouts that don’t have to be a chore? Weeding, walking the dog, watering plants, painting a room, washing dishes, clearing the table, cleaning out the attic, power washing the desk, sweeping the patio…

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by Katie Takacs | 2/1/2016
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