Springtime is in full effect, but while everyone else is hitting the gym to get ready for the summer you’re in the house spring-cleaning. Just like other physical activities cleaning burns calories and can help to tone muscles if you do it right. Which is why if you’re going to count it as your workout then you should actually put some effort into it. Well don’t worry. E.E. Ward Moving& Storage Co. is here to help you put the lean back in spring-cleaning.
Do Some Lunges – Try some walking lunges while you vacuum. Remember to keep your knees above your ankles, your back straight and your abs engaged. You should feel this in your thighs and glutes.
Big Circles – When your scrubbing showers or cleaning windows try whipping with large circles instead of making small ones. So if you’re cleaning glass doors try to wipe from top to bottom. This will give you a nice shoulder workout.
Squat – When trying to reach the lower spots. Doing this will make sure that you engage your lower body instead of bending and placing stress on that lower back.
Clean to the beat – Turn on some music while you clean and dance around a bit. Make sure you mix in some fast music so that you can pick up the pace and break a sweat.
Step up – Use a stepladder or step stool when you need to reach high areas. Creating your own step aerobics class with it
Twist and shout – When you are loading or unloading your dishwasher or dryer, add a twist-and-reach move. This type of movement helps to strengthen your core and also target that “love handle” area.
Take a swing– Instead of vacuuming your rugs, hang them up outside and beat the dirt and dust out of them with your broom. This will involve more muscles than vacuuming and help you get some fresh air as well.
Take the stairs– Instead of making one trip up and down, try to make multiple trips. The goal here is to make more work for you, not less.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1470