Fitness experts often highlight numerous everyday activities that can effectively serve as workouts.
Many individuals associate exercise solely with gyms or fitness centers. Some may envision jogging tracks, yoga classes, or even a designated spot at home for push-ups. However, working out encompasses more than just formal exercise—it encompasses any physical activity that demands effort. The OnlyMyHealth editorial team reached out to Miten Kakaiya, fitness coach and founder of Miten Says Fitness, to explore everyday activities that can double as workouts.
Workouts that can be incorporated into your daily activities
Indeed, numerous daily tasks can serve as effective workouts when approached intentionally, seamlessly blending into your routine without feeling like traditional exercise. These activities elevate heart rate and facilitate calorie burning, all without the need for workout attire or gym visits. Below are five everyday activities that can be considered workouts:
1. Engaging in household chores
Thoroughly cleaning the house once or twice a week offers more than just hygiene benefits; it doubles as a rewarding exercise session. Tasks like bending to reach tricky spots, mopping floors, relocating items across rooms, and navigating different levels can significantly elevate your heart rate, making it a valuable form of functional exercise.
2. Walking
This might seem straightforward, but it’s worth emphasizing that walking for any reason counts as exercise, regardless of whether it’s done with the intention to work out. Whether it’s a stroll to the local store, a walk around a nearby mall, or even pacing while on a phone call, every step adds up. Walking with a companion, be it a furry friend or just yourself, contributes to the exercise tally. As long as you’re striving for those “10k steps,” it’s a workout in its own right.
3. Engaging in playful activities with children
Investing time in children not only fosters mental youthfulness but also promotes physical vitality. Participating in their energetic antics, from chasing them around to lifting them up for zoomies or pushing them on swings, contributes significantly to your fitness. Even if you don’t have children of your own, seizing the chance to engage with nieces or nephews provides an excellent avenue for exercise while becoming their favorite aunt or uncle in the process.
4. Heading out for a night of dancing
Partaking in a night of dancing, whether at a nightclub or a bar, offers a fun and effective way to burn calories. Throughout the evening, you’re constantly on your feet, swaying and grooving to your favorite beats. Not only are you enjoying yourself immensely, but you’re also expending a significant amount of energy, resulting in calorie burning as a delightful bonus.
5. Embarking on a grocery shopping trip
Grocery shopping not only aids in everyday tasks like carrying groceries home but also serves as an excellent workout in itself. Moving from aisle to aisle or cart to cart allows you to accumulate steps, contributing to your daily activity goals. Additionally, lifting and carrying heavy bags back to your car or home provides functional training, effectively burning calories while completing errands.