How vacuuming can help you lose weight

Did you know that doing the housework, walking around the supermarket and even getting up to change the channel on the television all burn kilojoules? These everyday activities are examples of “incidental exercise”, which is any physical activity that is part of your daily routine.

Incorporating more incidental exercise into your daily routine is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall general health and fitness. So if you find it hard to fit in the recommended 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, try increasing your incidental exercise. And remember, it all adds up to a healthier you!

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How to increase your incidental exercise

Instead of looking for the closest car park to the shops, be content to park further away. Not only will you find it easier to get a park, you will also get in a few minutes extra walking to and from the car.
Leave the car behind if you’re only going a short distance. Most people can walk 1km to 2km quite easily.
Go to the park and play with your kids after school. Either push them on the swings (good for upper-body strengthening), play tag or throw around a ball.
Get enthusiastic about the housework. Turn on some music and have a dance around the house while you are vacuuming or sweeping.
Dig around in the garden, weed and mow the lawn on the weekend.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator in shopping malls, or walk up and down the escalators rather than waiting for them to deliver you to the next shopping level.
Get up to change the channel on the television or the volume on your stereo, rather than using the remote.