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With our busy lives, it’s hard to fit in a workout most days. However, did you know a good deep cleaning is a great way to burn calories? While it won’t transform your body, it will allow you to sneak in that extra scoop of ice cream or grab a second glass of wine on cleaning day with zero guilt!

Even better? Our daily chores can help us live longer. A study from the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that among women 65 years of age and older, 30 minutes of light exercise a day – such as cleaning the house – is linked to a lower risk of death.

Taking your cleaning to the next level requires some creative thinking and a few extra movements.

  • Mix it up. Calories burned varies on the length and the intensity of the activity. So, change up your cleaning “routine” frequently to maximize your outcomes. For instance, WebMD notes that over 30 minutes, trimming shrubs burns 157 calories, cooking burns 92, and laundry burns 133.
  • Make the most of your movements. Instead of just standing still while you push your vacuum, do lunges as you move around the room or put on some high-intensity music and start dancing. Stretch as high as you can when cleaning curtain rods or getting rid of cobwebs. Do push-ups or wall sits as you wait for the toilet cleaner to sit before you start scrubbing.
  • Add some resistance. Throw on a weighted belt around your ankles or wrists or hold a hand weight in one hand while you push the vacuum with the other. Just a little extra resistance will work your muscles harder, which in turn burns more calories.
  • Stand up. While it’s tempting to sit on your bed while folding laundry, stand instead. That one simple change can increase your results as it’s engaging your core and making your legs work harder.
  • Rev up the intensity. When washing the floor or scrubbing the tub, really put your muscles into it. Get on your hands and knees and reach to scrub areas instead of doing the spot right in front of you. Use your shoulders and arms to scrub vigorously in circles. Your floors and tubs not only get cleaner, but you can also burn up to 350 calories an hour!
  • Take advantage of your stairs. Gym members spend a good chunk of money on step classes. Instead, use your staircase by going up and down as much as you can. Make your bed and then go downstairs to clean the fridge. Head upstairs to clean the master bath before dusting downstairs. Efficient? No, but it better works your leg muscles.

How do Annointed Hands’ staff stay in great shape? By putting extra effort into every cleaning job we do! That means you reap our rewards with a cleaner, fresher house that shines! Get your free quote today and see the difference for yourself