More Than Doing Chores: Get Your House Clean and Your Body Lean

With your house housekeeper on a long Lebaran leave, you’re left with a seemingly unending list of chores to finish on your own. For those of you who are used to having the house spotless without you having to lift a finger, this might seem like a total nightmare. But fret not, domestically challenged individuals. Helper-less need not mean you’re helpless. Au contraire! This might actually be an opportunity for you to shed off all the extra calories from stuffing your face with the plethora of delicious delicacies from Eid Al-Fitr!

Who says you can only burn those pesky calories with treadmills, dumbbells, or other gym equipments? Even cleaning the counter tops or rocking your baby to sleep can be a great simple workout. Cleaning your house for 1 hour can actually burn 150 – 200 calories and tone your muscles! Here’s everything you need to know to maximize your chores into fat burning activities.

 

Cleaning the Counter Tops

When you’re cleaning your kitchen area, place your hand firm on the counter tops and make use of all your arm muscles. Don’t just use the palm of your hand; flex every muscles from you forearm to your biceps and triceps.  This can help tone your arm area.

Cleaning the Window

Use a wider range of motion to make sure you’re utilizing all of your muscles. This is perfect to work out your shoulder and arm. Reach out to the top, the area people usually overlook because it takes too much effort, and feel the burn on your muscles!

Mopping the Floor

Make sure you’re legs are in an athletic stance; slightly bend your knees with one leg in front of the other. This might feel awkward but it’s necessary to avoid any leg or spinal injury from improper posture. This stance also allows you a more fluid movement. Make sure to change your position every now and then to maintain your balance.

Lifting Heavy Weights

In this day of age, who says only men can carry the burden, literally. Show the world we’re just as tough by doing all the heavy lifting on your own. But do make sure you’re doing it properly to avoid unwanted injury. Before you’re going to lift the weight, make sure you’re in an athletic stance, both leg parallel to each other and knees slightly bend. If your legs are straight when you’re trying to lift something from the floor, you’re at risk from getting back pain or even spinal injury!

Rocking Your Baby to Sleep

Don’t rely on those fancy bouncing cradles and rocking chairs! Carry your baby or toddler on your own while rocking them to sleep. Sway your body from side to side to give your upper body a much-needed stretch and work out. Don’t forget to assume an athletic stance so you’re more stable and much less likely to get tired too soon. You can also engage your core to help tone your abs.

 
Originally published on Fimela.com. Translated and edited by Gold's Gym Indonesia.