Often we get so caught up in the right kind of exercise that we don’t notice the calorie burning activities that we do each and every day. If the thought of going to the gym sets you on edge, consider adding a few more of these everyday activities into your routine to boost your fitness regimen. Just a few normal, everyday activities can boost your calorie burning potential, so give them a try!
1. A trip to the grocery store
Pushing your shopping card from the cereal aisle to the frozen foods sections can burn calories–up to 243 in an hour! Take your time in the store and don’t rush from item to item on your list. Spend most of your time in the produce section and get to know some of the healthy food options. You can even bag your own groceries, take them to the car, and return the cart to the corral for bonus calories.
2. Dusting the house
Get out that duster and furniture polish! A half an hour of household dusting can burn 80 calories. Don’t settle for the surfaces. Open the china cabinet and dust everything inside. Don’t miss the mini-blinds. Once you’re done, go through the house again with the white glove test to see what you missed and burn a few extra calories in the process. Add vacuuming into your day and burn an additional 180 calories in an hour.
3. Folding your laundry
Not many people look forward to the chore of laundry, but if you know that you can burn 72 calories for a half an hour of folding it might be easier. Don’t fold the clothes in your closet or bedroom. Fold them in the laundry room or on the lowest level of your house so you can burn some additional calories carrying them up the stairs.
4. Start a garden
For a higher calorie burning count, try high impact gardening. Not only will you burn 230 calories in an hour but you can spend the day outside in the sun. Choose foods or flowers that make you happy so at the end of the day your work can reflect your mood. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
What household chores can you think of that can help you burn calories?