“I Was Working Out? Really?”

The list of everyday routines has now become implanted in your mind for eternity (or until the kids are at least out of the house). A little good news about that: the chores could have a dual purpose! Not only are they there so nothing, and no one, smells, but you could be getting some exercise out of them to. Writer and food-lover Rebecca Stokes points out some of the everyday things that could shed at least a few calories a day!

  1.) Child Heaving I'm not saying your child is a medicine ball, but don't doubt that all that lifting and carrying is giving you some serious core strength. 2.) Laundry The bending and tossing and the folding -- it's like you're doing toe-touches AND working on your fine motor skills. Bonus points if you have to walk elsewhere to do your laundry. 3.) Dishes Be it by hand or in a machine, you're getting a mini-workout. Your arms are getting stretched and toned when you reach to put something away, and those caked on scrambled eggs are doing wonders for your upper-body. 4.) Stairs Every time you climb a stair, you're increasing your rate heart and burning calories. This is an easy one to do more of -- it will also strengthen the muscles in your knees and butt. 5.) Cleaning Windows Shoulders and forearms look out -- you're a lean, mean, window-scrubbing machine. 6.) Scooping the Litter Box Popping a squat to scoop out your cat's litter box engages your entire body. Focus on your breathing and on drawing your navel toward your spine. You're making a house that smells great and a lean tummy. Plus you only look slightly ridiculous. 7.) Vacuuming This is a full body workout: Your arms are pumping, your legs are going, you're bending, turning, and twisting. Basically, you are Jillian Michaels.