Walking and House Cleaning

  • I am just starting out (again), and since I am a big girl, I am only walking (kind of fast paced) a mile about twice a week. Also, I am counting house cleaning as my exercise too since I literally drip with sweat for hours. I clean about 1 or 2 times a week. Today, I did house cleaning for about 6-7 hours, with about 3 5-15 minute breaks (I am a pretty thorough cleaner). I am hoping since I sweat a lot (and move a lot) that this is a good work out. Sadly, I have a back problem, and I am scared to hurt it doing anything more physical at my current weight. So I am hoping I will see results with just these activities and counting calories. Anyone else using house cleaning as one of their exercise days?
  • House cleaning? I knew there was something I was forgetting Seriously, not a super good cleaner. But....It does sound like great exercise.
  • Cleaning is definitely a good workout. If you keep moving and sweating you can burn almost 300 calories an hour really scrubbing and vacuuming. I crank up the music and get after it! Way to go!
  • Definately! Since our vaccuum is out of commission, Ive been having to shop vac the house! I POUR SWEAT DOING THAT! I DREAD IT! But every little thing helps. Im just starting out too, and I am a big girl. Ive been walking close to the same amount you are as well. I have a dog and I guess I knock out 2 birds with one stone walking her. Plus she thinks she has to lead the way so Im kinda forced to walk faster.
  • I don't clean anywhere near as intensely or for as long as you (wow, 6 hours is HARDCORE. I am super impressed!) but I do write down any relatively physical housework I do as exercise. Cleaning the kitchen floor (on my hands and knees to get under the counters), hoovering the stairs (our hoover is HEAVY!), etc.