If fitness takes a back burner to your to do lists in the fall, we have some great news for you. You don’t have to give up your workout while you tackle your honey-do list; you can do them both at the same time! This year, incorporate 30 minutes of daily activity in the form of calorie-torching chores. You and your home will look great—and just in time for holiday photos.
Raking Leaves
Forget the gym! Raking leaves not only works all the major muscle groups in your shoulders, arms, legs, and back, it also raises your heart rate and burns about 150 calories in 30 minutes. That’s about the same calorie burn you’d get on a 1.5 mile run at 6mph—and you have the added benefit of a better looking yard!
Mowing the Yard
If raking isn’t your thing, you could always mulch and bag your leaves with a push mower and then redistribute around tree trunks and flowerbeds. Pushing a mower (without assist if you can help it) for 30 minutes can burn as many as 190 calories. Your heart, lawn, and flowerbeds with thank you!
Shoveling Snow
Since we are in Siouxland and snow rarely waits until the first day of winter, we have to include a fitness tip with the white stuff. Shoveling snow is no joke—nor is it for the faint of heart (seriously, make sure to talk to your doctor before shoveling if you have, or are at risk for, a heart condition). Shoveling snow can torch an amazing 225 calories in 30 minutes. Got a snow blower? You can still get in on some cardio and burn 150 calories in the same amount of time.
Cleaning Out Gutters
If you are as sluggish as your downspouts, it’s time to bring both of you up to speed. Cleaning out leaf-clogged gutters uses a lot of core strength and stamina, not to mention all the ups and downs you make on the ladder. Take your fitness to new heights—just make sure to find good balance first!
Wash Windows
Nothing like the ups and downs and ins and outs of washing over 20 windows to help you see fitness more clearly. Washing windows is a great use of upper body stretch and strength; its repetitive motion helps fine-tune muscles, and the reaching for high corners helps lengthen the fibers. You’ll burn about 70 calories in 30 minutes with this cleaning task. Do it for 2.5 hours and you’ll have earned a calorie-free slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
Of course there are other great ways to burn calories while you maintain your home. Chopping wood, installing storm windows, overwintering garden beds—all are great ways for you to fit in some fitness.
What fall home maintenance chore gets your heart pumping?