Everyday Activities as Exercise

I know we have all heard the physical activity guidelines: 30 minutes a day. But how do we get in those 30 minutes between working and caring for our families? Well, one way is that everyday activities can be exercise. For instance, doing housework can burn as many as 240 calories an hour, walking briskly with a stroller can burn as many as 300 calories an hour, and gardening can burn as many as 325 calories an hour.

Now, I know we all don't have time to do things for an hour at a time (unless we have a babysitter!). But think of everything in small increments of 15-20 minutes. So, if you can put in 3-5 small increments a day (this totally reminds me of the beginning of the movie About a Boy and his time increments!), you'll have your recommended amount of physical activity in for the day! For instance, if you are able to clean the house for 20-30 minutes, then later take a walk for 15-20 minutes, and do some weeding for 15-20 minutes, you'll have your recommendations in.

Getting our workouts in takes a little planning, but it's worth it! We will feel more energized and better!

Challenge: Try to pick a few activities tomorrow to put into your day!