You don't need a gym membership to burn calories -- lose weight by doing household chores instead. Although doing housework alone may not burn enough calories to lose drastic weight, combining it with a nutritious diet of healthy foods in moderation may help you lose weight without ever setting foot inside the gym. Talk to your doctor before making any changes in your diet or exercise program, especially if you have health conditions or injuries.
Step 1
Burn enough calories through chores every day to create a calorie deficit. This means you must burn all of the calories you have consumed throughout the day, plus additional calories in order to lose weight. You may need to reduce the amount of calories you consume and increase the intensity of your housework until you create a balance that provides weight-loss results.
Step 2
Mop your floors vigorously to burn approximately 244 calories per hour. You'll tone your arms and shoulders while you mop. Halfway through, switch arms so you're mopping with the opposite hand. This way, you won't work one arm more than the other.
Step 3
Plant new seedlings in the yard to burn approximately 356 calories per half hour. Get down on all fours, dig in the dirt, and get your hands dirty. You'll strengthen and tone your arms while enjoying some sun at the same time.
Step 4
Vacuum the rug to burn 90 calories in 30 minutes. Tone and strengthen your back and abdominal muscles by standing up as straight as possible while you vacuum.
Step 5
Pull weeds up in the backyard to burn 230 calories per hour. If you are weeding more than one area, and must stand and sit regularly, you'll work both your arms and your legs.
Step 6
Get up on the roof and clean out your gutters for a strenuous, calorie-burning workout at home. Burn approximately 320 calories climbing the ladder and clearing out your gutters. Pull out debris with both hands to give your shoulders and arms an equal workout.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat a diet of mostly whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein in moderation to lose weight.
- If you feel pain while doing housework, stop immediately -- consult a doctor if pain persists.
Things You'll Need
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Ladder
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