Living50+ Blog

10 Easy Ways To Turn Your Housework Into a Workout

Written by Living50+ | Nov 15, 2022

Do you find yourself struggling to fit in a workout? If so, you are not alone. It can be hard to find time to exercise when you are busy with work and family obligations. Fortunately, there are easy ways that you can sneak in some extra exercise while you are doing other things around your home!

This blog post will discuss several tips to help you get moving while you clean up around the house!

How to Get Extra Exercise While Doing Chores! 

Wash Your Car By Hand Instead Of Taking It to the Car Wash

Not only will washing your car by hand save you money, but it also allows for a more thorough cleaning and can be a great form of exercise. You can pay attention to small details and give extra attention to problem areas. Plus, it's a great way to spend some time outside and get some exercise! So next time you're tempted to take your car to the car wash, consider washing it yourself. Your wallet and your car will thank you.

Take Only One Item Up/Down the Stairs at a Time

If you are moving things around your house, you may be tempted to carry multiple items at once, but try to resist the urge. For example, taking only one item up or down the stairs at a time will force you to make more trips and get extra steps in throughout your day. This can be a great form of exercise. Plus, carrying too much can also strain your muscles and increase your risk of injury. So next time you move things around the house, make a conscious effort to take only one item at a time and get in some extra exercise.

Utilize Commercial Breaks 

Commercial breaks are the perfect opportunity to fit in a quick workout. Commercial breaks are boring, and it just feels like wasted time. However, it does not have to be like that. You can use this time to do some squats, push-ups, or jumping jacks. It is a great way to stay active while still enjoying your favorite shows.

Multitask

Doing household chores can often be time-consuming and tedious, but it doesn't have to be all work and no play. By adding in simple exercises like calf raises or flexing your abs while doing things like washing dishes, you can turn mundane tasks into an opportunity for exercise. Not only will this save time by combining exercising with household chores, but it will also help improve your muscle tone and overall fitness.

Dress for a Workout

By wearing clothes that you would wear to the gym, it can mentally prepare you for a workout and remind you to stay active while doing chores. However, make sure they are comfortable enough so that you can fully move without any restrictions. This can also be a good time to try out different types of activewear, such as compression leggings or a sports bra, to see what works best for you during longer workouts.

Wash the Floor By Hand Instead of Mopping

Use a brush and cleaning solution to clean the floor instead of a mop. When you wash the floors by hand, you can incorporate lunges and squats to really work those leg muscles. Make sure to keep good posture while scrubbing and engage your core for added benefit. It's a win-win because you'll have a clean floor and a stronger lower body!

Do Squats When Picking Things Up

Squats are one of the best exercises for strengthening the legs and butt. So next time you bend down to pick something up, try doing a squat instead of just bending at the waist. This will not only help tone your lower body but also work on improving your balance and stability.

Use Household Objects as Weights

One of the basic ways to incorporate workouts in your housework is to use household objects as weights. This is a great way to incorporate weight training into your daily chores. For example, while you are cooking or carrying ingredients around the kitchen, don't be afraid to use those cans of soup or milk jugs for a few bicep curls or arm raises. 

Take Advantage of Outdoor Chores

Outdoor chores like raking leaves or gardening are already physical activities. Still, you can add some extra exercise by incorporating jumping jacks or lunges. This will help you get a workout in while completing necessary tasks. Not to mention the outdoors can be a refreshing change of scenery for your exercise routine. Being around greenery makes for a stress-free experience itself, making the outdoors a great spot for working out.

Get the Whole Family Involved

Make it a family activity by getting everyone to work out together during housework. This can make it more enjoyable and also help increase motivation. It can also be a great bonding experience for the family. You can also turn on some upbeat music to make it more fun and get everyone moving. If you have kids, involve them in chores like putting away toys or helping with laundry. This is a great way to teach them the importance of physical activity and make it part of daily life. Don't forget to take breaks and hydrate throughout to prevent exhaustion or injury.


Incorporating workouts into household chores can be a simple and efficient way to stay active. By being conscious of adding in extra exercises or using household objects as weights, you can turn simple tasks into a form of workout. It is also a great way to save time by combining exercise with necessary chores.