Burn more calories with housework during coronavirus quarantine.
While public gyms remain closed during the coronavirus craze, people can still stay fit at home. The twist is simply doing your chores. Remember the key is to burn calories and you can do just that, if you put in the effort. The more you put in, the greater the benefit. Just set aside about three hours and you’re sure to break a sweat. Studies show that a few hours of housework can help trim the waistline and burn those unwanted pounds.
So no need to be a couch potato. Instead, let’s get to work. Yes, your housework!
Below is a little motivation.
Make the Bed: Yes, let’s start here. This should take about 30 minutes and you can burn up to 150 calories as if you were on the treadmill jogging for 10 minutes. First remove everything from your bed and start with a blank slate. This helps with making your bed correctly. Next, grab clean bedding and if they’re already clean, shake out or fluff your sheets, blankets as well as your pillows. Next, vacuum your mattress or wipe clean the best you can. Now, let’s add everything back on. Add the fitted sheet, then the flat sheet and fold it down toward the foot of the bed. Now, place your comforter or duvet cover onto the bed with the top edge folded down from the headboard. Time to add all of your pillows and decorative bedding and fluff once more. Add to the ambiance by lighting a candle.
Clean the Windows: You can spend 30 minutes doing this chore and burn 130 calories depending on how much arm work you put in. This is the equivalent to doing 20 minutes of Hot Yoga. Start with a bucket of water. You can add dishwashing liquid, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar to achieve spotless windows. Grab a sponge and start cleaning the inside of the windows. Wring out excess water and wipe again. Next wipe the windows dry with a lint-free cloth. Now, repeat these steps on the outside of the windows. Finish by wiping clean the window sill with a separate rag.
Load the Dishwasher: This is a light chore and workout. Doing this will help you burn 100 calories. That’s like doing 30 minutes of light stretching in between workouts. This doesn’t take a tutorial. Just be sure to rinse off tough food stains and start loading your dishes.
Climb Stairs: Get ready to burn 285 calories with this in-house workout. No matter the size of house, you’re sure to break a sweat with this one. All you need is 30 minutes to climb or run up and the down your staircase. This is like 20 minutes of jump rope. Treat this like a real workout and put on your exercise gear.
Painting: Honestly, I dread this the most. This takes a lot of time because of the prep work it takes to do the job. However, you can start small with a room or accent wall in the house. Give yourself 30 minutes of painting and you’ll burn 160 calories or you can always go for a walk in the neighborhood for 25 minutes and burn the same.
Wash the Car: Cabin fever can get the best of anyone over a long period of time. So why not do some chores outside and get some fresh air. All you need is about 30 minutes to wash your car in order to burn 140 calories. It’s a good move since that is about how much you would burn in a Pilates or Yoga class.
Housework can’t compare with your usual cardio workout but it will definitely get you moving enough to burn calories. If you want to tone your arms in the process, then concentrate on more energetic chores such as sweeping and mopping. You’ll start to see changes especially if you stick with your chores.