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Disclaimer: whether you’re a calorie counter or not, or whether you want to lose weight or not, this article is all about learning what typical daily activities can keep you the most fit. Being active in itself, even if you’re just running errands, is good for your energy levels and fitness levels as well. Of course these numbers will range depending on your level of exertion and your height, weight, and age.

 

House cleaning: 300-400 calories per hour

Cleaning doesn’t have to be such a chore, look at it as a mini workout in itself! Dusting, vacuuming, washing your car or winds in your house can burn as many as 400 calories per hour. The more lifting or scrubbing you do, the more intense your workout will be, and the best part is that it also includes strength.

 

Sleeping: 350 calories for a full 8-hour night’s sleep

They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing. Not only does sleep rejuvenate you, but it keeps your metabolism going as well! If you get a full night of shut eye you are looking at about 350 calories burned, completely defying the concept of “no pain, no gain.”

 

Shopping: 250 calories per hour

Yes, you read that right. You can burn 250 calories each hour you shop – as if you needed any more incentive. Carrying bags, particularly up stairs, can work your strength and aerobic levels, especially if you skip the escalator or elevator options.

 

Playing poker: 100 calories per hour

Get your poker face on and your heart rate up for one hour, and kiss 100 calories goodbye. The good news is that the number of calories does not just apply to poker, but encompasses all card playing. So even if poker isn’t your thing, even a game of go fish can help your calorie count decline. Although, if you’re really trying to turn up the heat, there is one game that may increase the number of calories burned… strip poker anyone?

 

Cooking: 90 calories per hour

Ok, assuming you don’t indulge yourself too much on the dish you’re creating. Making a home cooked meal on your feet, tossing ingredients, and lifting pots and pans can turn into a calorie burning activity, and the healthy aspects go beyond that – you’re also getting a healthy meal out of the deal.

 

 

What do you think?

Were you surprised by these numbers? What routine activities do you do the most that turn into a mini workout in themselves? Share with us in the comments section below!

 

 

2 Comments

  1. avatar Cocomoco says:

    Nina, sleeping doesn’t burn more calories than cleaning or shopping. It says sleeping burns 350 cals for ONE 8-hour session. So if you sleep for 8 hours, you burn 350 cals.

    Shopping and cleaning burn 250-400 EACH hour. So if you clean or shop for 8 hours you burn 2000-3200cals

  2. avatar Nina says:

    its amazing how sleeping burns more calories than house cleaning and shipping :D

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