by Kevin Prott
Feeling stuck at home and unable to get out to the gym? Don’t worry: There are still lots of ways to get your exercise right around the house and burn some calories.
Keep in mind, we’re not talking about exercising in the house, per se. Rather, we’re talking about normal chores that will probably need to be done anyway - chores that can also double as calorie-burning exercises. Here are just a few ideas.
Do you crave a little sunshine in your day? Then go burn some calories by caring for the lawn. Mowing the grass, pulling weeds, tending the garden are all great ways to get out in the sun and move around, thus burning calories at the same time.
If it’s too rainy outside for cutting the grass, then let’s go back inside and take a look at your closets and drawers. Spend a day organizing these. Simply place all the clothes you never wear in boxes and bags and then carry them to the Salvation Army or some other place that needs them. In this case you’re killing, not two birds with one stone, but three: You’re helping the needy, getting rid of some of the clutter in your home, and getting a little exercise in the process.
And hey, while you’re sorting, you can always consider organizing a yard sale. Comb through the house and garage and find all of those things that nobody ever uses. Have a dozen or so boxes on hand and organize them accordingly into these boxes. Post signs around the neighborhood advertising the sale. There are lots of ways that hosting a yard sale can burn calories - and you’ll also make money in the process!
Anyone with kids knows that there are lots of ways to burn calories with them. Just a trip to the park is one way, but rather than going and sitting on the bench while they plan, join in the fun. Play ball with them or climb the bars or ride the teeter-totter. This will be great fun for the whole family, while being healthy as well.
If you don’t have children but you have a dog, then get out the leash and take the dog to the park instead. Take a ball to throw, which is great for the arms, and run around with your dog. Your dog will love the attention and the exercise and you are taking part in a great calorie burning activity.
Plan a day to redecorate a room in the house that’s been irritating you for some time. Think of all the calorie-burning activities this might involve: moving a ladder or moving the furniture, lifting, moving your arms as you’re painting or wallpapering. All of these things will improve the look of your home while helping you redecorate your body at the same time.
Anything that you do normally around the house can be turned into a calorie burning activity; just remember to put a little more effort in the things you do and get your heart pumping. When your heart is pumping fast and hard you know you are getting a good workout!