By doing as little as 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, you can improve your heart and lung health, increase blood flow, control your weight and improve your mood, reports MayoClinic.com. Although you may not have time to make it to the gym or go for a jog, there are plenty of calorie-burning activities you perform every day that can get your heart pumping.
Yard Work
When the weather is nice, you can get some sunshine while taking care of everyday garden chores to burn calories. Mowing the lawn with a push mower can burn up to 244 calories per 30 minutes, while weeding can burn up to 205 and digging up to 222. In the fall and winter, get your workout by raking fallen leaves or chopping wood for the fireplace. You could burn up to 178 or 266 calories per half hour respectively.
Shoveling Snow
If you live in a climate with snowy winters, clearing your driveway and sidewalks can be a daily chore. Instead of operating a snow blower, burning up to 200 calories per 30 minutes, save electricity and shovel by hand for a calorie expenditure of up to 266 calories per half hour. Get in an extra workout by shoveling your neighbor's driveway as well.
Cleaning House
Although cleaning up the house isn't the most pleasant of activities, vacuuming or mopping can burn off up to 245 calories per hour depending on the size of your home, reports Fitness Magazine. Cleaning your windows costs you up to 200 calories every 30 minutes, and rearranging furniture can burn as much as 266 calories in the same amount of time.
Playing with the Kids
Next time you find yourself spending quality time with your kids, join in on their energetic endeavors to get your heart rate up. Playing games such as hopscotch can burn 222 calories over the course of 30 minutes. Simply feeding and bathing your children will burn up to 155 calories per half hour.
Washing the Car
You don't have to be in high school to enjoy a good car wash. Get the family together on a hot day to cool off with the hose and some soapy water. An hour of car washing consumes up to 400 calories. Wear your swim suit and lather up with sunscreen as you turn a chore into a fun and healthful activity.
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