Thursday, August 28, 2008

Cleaning As A Way to Exercise



I want to keep my house clean and take a step toward getting and staying in shape.
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Did you know that when you perform simple household chores, you can burn almost 300 calories per hour.
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Here are some great examples:
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Start Your Vacuum!
Vacuuming works all sorts of muscles in the upper body. And when vacuuming the stairs, you're getting the legs into the action, too.
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Get on the Floor!
Mopping floors for 30 minutes can burn 143 calories for a 140-pound person. That's actually more calories burned than walking for the same amount of time at a 3.5-mph pace. For extra credit (and extra burned calories), get down on your hands and knees and really scrub.
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Wash Those Windows!
Before it gets too cold in some parts of the country, wash the outsides of your windows. And once winter appears you still can wash the insides. Window washing is great for toning arms and shoulders.
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Add Some Motion!
When it comes to chores like dusting, doing the dishes or other stand-in-place activities, kick up the aerobic activity by adding in some squats or walking in place.
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Go on Laundry Duty!
I am finally going to get my laundry room in order by doing all the laundry possible and putting it all away in its proper place. With the bending, twisting and stair climbing, laundry can be a full-body workout. Stand up when folding the clothes and don't forget to break out the iron and ironing board. The motions used for folding and ironing will help tone muscles in the legs, arms and back.
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Keep On Keeping On!
Exercise with housecleaning means I will have two great things to feel good about, a clean house and a toned body.
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Bear((( )))

16 comments:

Daryl said...

I hate to clean ... it becomes a photo op for Husband anytime I do ... he loves to tease me ... in my next life I am going to be rich and let my 'help' exercise as they clean ...

Fun post! Good inspiration!

:-Daryl, the sloth

Tash said...

If I had a great outfit like Miss Bear, I'd love to jump into exercise & even cleaning! Cleaning seems to be a lost art - I wonder how many people still have scheduled cleaning days, or daily tasks, such as Friday - change the sheets. I know my mom's generation did - although she was a bit more free spritied about when & why.

Becky said...

And what helps you move around even more while you do housework??? MUSIC!!! Turn on the stereo or strap on the old iPod!! (Just make sure that no one sneaks up on you while you are singing at the top of your lungs... it can be quite startling!)

Mental P Mama said...

I think that's how June Cleaver kept her girlish figure! Going to go look for my vacuum...

Dianne said...

I clean to music too! and it does help to stay motivated.

great, fun post Bear :)

Anonymous said...

I used to clean to music but nowadays I've slowed down alot so the calorie burn isn't too good!

Gary ("Old Dude") said...

I knew there had to be a good reason for my subconscious fear and dislike of housecleaning---its good for ya!! You don't see kids doing it do ya?---well there you are---besides who wants to feel guilty putting all the illegals outta work?

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, still doesn't make those chores more appealing, but I guess I can console myself with "it's good for you" thoughts.

Anonymous said...

If you ever need any additional exercise, feel free to come on over to my place and clean. I'll let you have free reign over the stereo!!

Georgina said...

Sh*t I should be stick thin!!!
Great post. Debs x

Anonymous said...

OMG...I just found your blog...it is so very cute...I marked it in my favs!
Pam
http://ozarklivinandlaughin.blogspot.com

JeanMac said...

Yeah, I knew there was a reason I didn't hire a cleaning service:)

Smart Mouth Broad said...

The only thing I like less than working out is cleaning house. But I want a clean house and a killer body (someday) so I will keep on, keeping on. Now you've inspired me.

i beati said...

Cleaning is my nemesis I'm thinking of doing a little on a timer then going to another room and playing invigorating music. I always get tired because I abhor it ..

Wendy said...

Ha! I hired a cleaning woman one year just before Christmas. She walked into my house and said she loved cleaning houses.
Why? I asked her.
Because I get paid to work out!!
That gave me food for thought.

Anonymous said...

Once I get into it I am okay but it's the "getting into it" that I find so hard! I usually wait until absolutely HAVE to. You made me view the "work" as something constructive. Thank you!