Everyday Activities That Count As Exercise

By Sara Butler

Exercise is one of the cornerstones of good health. Many people try very hard to get the recommended amount of exercise per day, but with other responsibilities, it doesn’t always happen. But getting a daily dose of fitness may be easier than you think. There are everyday activities that may help you to work in some burn!

Grocery Shopping

Most people do their grocery shopping at least once a week. Consider taking your time to get a good shop in every week and work on some moves to help you get fitter as you do it. You can amp up your trip to the grocery (and also not look like a weirdo) by doing one lap around the store for the heaviest items first. Go get that case of water, do a deep squat to get it and engage your core. Don’t forget to breathe!

Feeding or Bathing Children

This is an activity that requires a little finesse anyway, but you can make these activities more beneficial to your fitness if you practice good posture with your core engaged while doing them. As you’re standing there making their dinner or watching them play in the tub, squeeze your glutes, abs, and inner thighs.

Playing with Your Kids

Kids love to spend time with their parents, so why not make a fun activity with your little rug rats even healthier? The next time you’re out playing with them, try a rousing game of duck duck goose or Marco Polo in the pool. To get as many core-building benefits as you can, engage your abs and make sure to breathe deeply!

Cleaning the House

A little determination and ingenuity can turn chores into a workout! You can easily amp up this activity by adding some elbow grease to everything you’re doing. When you mop or vacuum, go for the deep lunge (just be careful of wet floors!). Don’t be afraid to turn on your favorite tunes and shake your money maker as you move through your house too. Just don’t forget to stretch and get your blood pumping a little before you start – this is going to be exercise for you, after all. And the best part is at the end you have a spic and span house!

Getting your exercise in over the course of the day doesn’t require a gym! Just get inventive and add a little extra oomph to the activities you’re already doing!