Get a Good Workout While Housecleaning

Very few people actually like housecleaning. But, if you have to do it, you might as well get something out of it.

While housecleaning is definitely a physical activity, most of us don't perform this task in a way that benefits us very much. (Well, beyond having a clean house, that is.) But, when done the right way, housecleaning can have many physical benefits.

Not that housecleaning can replace actual exercise, like jogging, or swimming, or taking an exercise class. But, when you know the housecleaning you're doing has added benefits, it can give you added motivation to get those necessary tasks done.

Before you start housecleaning, set the mood.

Put on some lively, energetic music. Music that makes you want to dance is best. Music makes everything, including housecleaning, better. Plus, the music can help you fall into a rhythm that will make the time you spend cleaning the kitchen or bathroom fly by.

When housecleaning, take deep breaths.

Breathing properly helps you reap added benefits from any activity, including housecleaning. Taking deep breaths also keeps you feeling energized.

As you clean your house, take long, deep breaths. Your stomach should expand on each inhalation.

Set a good housecleaning pace.

Try working to the rhythm of the music you put on earlier. Since housecleaning isn't a fun or exciting activity for most, you might find yourself dragging from one task to another. (After all, you're probably not in any hurry to start cleaning the toilet.) But a faster, more energetic pace will do more to raise your heart pumping.

While you don't want to work so fast that you don't do a good job, a nice, steady pace. Will help get your heart rate up, you'll finish your housecleaning a lot earlier.

And, when walking, don't schlep from room to room. March from the kitchen to the dining room. Stride from your daughter's room to your son's room. And swing those arms!

Don't forget to stretch.

Every body needs a good stretch. And housecleaning gives you lots of stretching opportunities.

When your mopping, standing in one spot, and try to reach as much of the floor as you can by stretching, pushing the mop as far out ahead of you as you can.

When wiping the counters, stand in one spot, and stretch to reach as much of the countertop as you can.

When cleaning the windows, instead of getting a ladder, try stretching to reach as high up as you can.

Usually, you should squat down to pick up toys from the living room floor. But, when you pick up the first or second toy, bend slowly from the waist, keeping your knees slightly bent. And, if it feels really good, hang there for a few seconds.

When housecleaning, look for any opportunity to stretch and extend.

You'll probably never think housecleaning is fun. But these tips will make housecleaning good for your body as well as your home.