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Do daily activities count as exercise?

Is folding laundry, taking the stairs, or doing the dishes is enough to keep you active and healthy? Here's what you need to know about daily activities and how much they count as exercising.

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Learn the everyday things you do that count as physical activities!

group of senior friends jogging together activities exercise park daily exercise
It’s very important to exercise daily! Source: Freepik.

It’s no secret that exercise is important for overall health. But do you know that there are some daily activities that count as exercise?

Most people think of exercise as going to the gym or going for a run. And while those are both great ways to get your heart rate up, daily activities can also count as exercise.

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Taking a brisk walk in your neighborhood or even playing with your kids at the park can all improve your health.

There are plenty of benefits to getting your daily dose of exercise. That includes improved heart health, better brain function, and increased energy levels.

So next time you’re considering skipping a workout, remember that even daily activities can help to keep you healthy. Read on to learn which daily activities count as exercise.

Which daily activities count as exercise? 

Most people know that daily activities such as walking, biking, and even household chores can count as exercise. But you might be surprised to learn that even some less obvious activities can also help you meet your daily fitness goals.

For example, gardening or even taking a leisurely stroll through the park are all excellent ways to get your body moving and your heart rate up.

Even small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall fitness level. So learn which daily activities you’re already doing count as exercise below.

Just remember that these activities are not a substitute for a proper workout. They are merely things that can add quality to your routine.

Taking care of your lawn/yard

man cutting grass with law mover back yard exercise activity
Some daily activities can count as exercise. Source: Freepik.

You may not think of yard work or lawn care as a form of exercise, but daily activities that keep you moving can add up to big health benefits.

Even moderate exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Lawn care activities like raking, gardening, and mowing the grass can provide a great workout. Not only do they improve cardiovascular fitness, but they also help to build muscle strength and flexibility.

And because yard work is often outdoors, it can also help you to get your daily dose of vitamin D.

Running errands

Running errands can also be one of the daily activities that count as exercise. Say you need to go grocery shopping, the amount of time it takes to get things done can help to increase your heart rate and improve your overall fitness.

In addition, running errands often requires you to perform a variety of different movements, such as reaching, bending, and lifting.

This can help to increase your range of motion and improve your muscle strength. So next time you have a long list of errands to run, don’t think of it as a chore.

Think of it as a chance to get moving and get fit!

Cleaning

Cleaning your house requires physical activity such as bending, stretching, and lifting. All of which can help to increase heart rate and burn calories.

Plus, cleaning often requires sustained periods of time spent standing or walking. Both of which are excellent forms of low-intensity cardio.

As such, it is clear that cleaning the house is absolutely one of the daily activities that count as exercise. Therefore, next time you’re feeling lazy about working out, remember that even your daily chores can help you stay active and healthy. 

Walking your dog

Walking the dog is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s something that most people can do every day. Even if you don’t have a lot of time for a dedicated workout, incorporating some daily activities into your routine can help you get moving and improve your fitness.

So, even though walking the dog might not be as intense as a spin class or a game of basketball, it still counts as exercise!

And, of course, it’s not just good for your physical health. Spending time with your furry friend can also reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.

So next time you take your pooch for a walk, remember that you’re doing something good for both your body and your mind.

Dancing

medium shot couple dancing together
Dancing is an excellent exercise! Source: Freepik.

You might not think of dancing as exercise, but it actually offers a number of benefits. First, it can help to improve your cardiovascular health.

Just like any other form of aerobic exercise, dancing helps to get your heart rate up and improve your lung function. Additionally, dancing can help to build muscle strength and endurance.

While you might not think of dancing as a weight-bearing activity, it actually requires you to use your own body weight to resist gravity.

As a result, it can be an excellent way to build muscle strength. Finally, dancing can help to improve your balance and coordination.

This is especially important as we age, as balance problems can lead to falls and other injuries. So next time you put on your favorite tunes, don’t be afraid to bust a move – you might be surprised at how good it feels.

Walking instead of taking transport

Walking is often thought of as a low-impact activity, but it can actually provide a great workout. That’s because walking requires the use of all major muscle groups.

Plus, it can be adapted to different fitness levels by increasing the intensity. For example, walking at a brisk pace can raise your heart rate and help to burn calories, while walking uphill or carrying weights will add resistance and help to build strength.

Plus, walking instead of running is much easier on your joints and muscles. As a result, it is an ideal form of exercise for people who are just starting to get active or who are dealing with injuries.

Whether you are looking to improve your fitness or simply want to add more activity to your daily routine, walking is a great option.

Best language learning apps

Now that you know which daily activities count as an exercise, how about adding more fun to your routine?

Check what are the best language learning apps so you can learn on-the-go, while you walk your dog or do some chores around the house.

Follow the link below to know more!

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What are the best language learning apps available

Learn what the best language learning apps are with this comprehensive guide. Find the right app for you and start learning a new language today!

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