You want to stay healthy and in shape, or get back into shape, but your busy life doesn't necessarily allow the time to join a gym or go for a long run every day. Between the kid's activities and taking care of your home, how do you find the time to take care of yourself? The good news for you is there are a lot of ways to burn calories built right into your home and home maintenance routine. Below are some ways to take care of yourself, your home and your family at the same time.
Number One. Cleaning.
Cleaning activities around the home are great forms of exercise as well. Split up your cleaning projects over a few days each week to rack up those burned calories and keep your home in tip-top shape at the same time. Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming are fantastic for breaking a sweat and getting your heart-rate up there. Scrubbing shower walls, tub basins, sinks, and kitchen counters will help you burn and work those arm muscles.
Number Two. Tidying Up.
It may not appear like it, but small motions burn plenty of calories. Folding and putting away a couple of loads of laundry will add a few more burns to your count each week. Changing sheets on the beds in your home and making beds daily also contributes to those small motions that keep you in shape.
Number Three. Yard Maintenance.
Maintaining your yard offers several opportunities for exercise. Similar to sweeping, raking your yard weekly is an excellent way to work out your arms and legs. Gardening puts your arms to work and burns more calories. If you have a small to medium size yard or are an ambitious person with a large yard, push mow your lawn. It will really get you driving your body and exercises many muscle groups.
Number Four. Have Fun with Your Family.
Now for the fun one. Find special ways to have fun with your family that also give your body a workout. Play tag with your kids in the yard, jump rope or design a hopscotch grid and play along with them. Wrestling with your dog, playing fetch or engaging in a game of tug of war (with dogs or kids!) will also give you a workout. Combining family time and exercise is a wonderful and rewarding way to get yourself into shape.
Even if you think you're too busy for the gym, there are plenty of ways to find opportunities to exercise built right into your home life. Combine these with healthy and contentious cooking at home, and you won't even miss the gym.
