We all know that cardio exercise and strength training can help to tone muscles and help get you in shape. But when there are deadlines that need to be met, work demands and household chores to be done, working out seems to fall further and further down the list of things to do. The easy fix for this is to try transforming those chores into a fitness routine. After all, you have to clean, so you might as well kill two birds with one stone! According to Vitality Fitness, an 150-pound person can burn approximately 190 calories per hour by completing general household chores. Here are a few ideas to get you and your home in tip-top shape.
Toning your legs…
If there are clothes or toys lying on the floor that need to be picked up, look at this as an opportunity to get those legs ready for beach season. Vitality Fitness suggested completing squats to pick up items on the floor. Just be sure to keep your back straight and bend at the knees instead of hinging at the waist.
Toning your arms…
Instead of lifting dumbbells, try washing the windows! Move your arm in a circular motion and continually change directions to tone your arm and shoulder. Just be sure to switch arms ever so often so both of your extremities get a great workout. I bet window washing now sounds a bit more appealing.
Toned arms can also come from washing and putting away dishes. As you suds up your dishes, try standing on one leg or raising up on your tiptoes for a quick calf exercise. When putting away dry dishes, if you have an especially heavy pot, plate or bowl, Vitality Fitness recommended doing a few bicep curls with each item. Just be careful not to drop it!
Grab a refreshment
Take a quick break from chores by fixing yourself a shake packed with the protein you need to tone your body. Naturade Total Soy All-Natural Original Powder comes in various flavors like Bavarian chocolate and French vanilla to satisfy your taste buds and deliver 13 grams of protein as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber without all of the added calories. Total Soy protein meal replacement may also keep your heart healthy and lower cholesterol. According to the Food and Drug Administration, 25 grams of soy protein per day may increase heart health.
Toning your abs…
When you're sweeping, raking or vacuuming, activate your abdominal muscles as you extend the tool out as far as possible. As you bring your rake or vacuum back in, you'll be toning your ab muscles as you clean. Discovery Health suggested putting a spin on your laundry routine, literally. Stand about 10 to 15 feet away from the washing machine and spin your hips as you toss the dirty laundry into the washer. This works especially well for wet laundry that is a bet heavier. This is a great activity for your abdominals, lower back and hip muscles. Who knew laundry could be such a great workout?
