No time for the gym or that early morning run? No worries! Your everyday chores, like sweeping, mopping, or even washing the car, can secretly double as calorie-burning workouts. Who knew cleaning could get you fit?
Engaging in chores throughout the day uses up energy and boosts your metabolism. A healthier metabolism means your body burns calories more efficiently, making it easier to manage your weight.
According to WebMD, using a vacuum cleaner for 30 minutes can burn around 99 calories. Manual mopping is even more effective, engaging multiple muscle groups and increasing the calorie burn.
Washing the Car: Scrubbing your car with soap, cleaning the tyres and windows isn’t just about appearances — it can burn between 135 and 200 calories in just half an hour. It also tones your muscles and enhances flexibility.
Making the Bed and Changing Sheets: Changing bed linen, arranging pillows, and making the bed each morning may seem like a simple task, but it activates a surprising number of muscles. You could burn between 180 and 300 calories doing this.
Playing with Children: Spending 30 minutes playing with your children, carrying them, chasing them around, or engaging in play, can burn 120 to 180 calories. It’s a fun and heartwarming way to stay active.
Gardening and Outdoor Tasks: Tending to your garden, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or watering plants are all excellent forms of outdoor exercise. These activities can burn between 120 and 178 calories in just half an hour.
Kitchen Cleaning and Pet Care: Clearing the kitchen after meals, wiping down surfaces, or washing dishes can burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes. And if you’re a pet owner, taking your dog on a 6 km walk can help you burn 150 to 200 calories.
Without ever stepping into a gym or spending money on fitness equipment, these simple everyday chores can form part of your wellness routine — keeping both your home and your body in great shape.
