Many people think burning calories require rigorous physical activity that involves some form of sports, but that’s not always the case.
As long as you’re being physically active and you’re able to get your heart rate up, it doesn’t matter if it’s classified as a “sport” or “exercise”, that activity will be able to burn your calories away.
Here are 10 “non-intense” calorie-burning everyday activities that you may not be aware of, and perhaps you might be already doing them (If not, you can start incorporating these into your daily life too!).
The calories listed below are estimates for a 155-pound (70kg) person.
1. Household Chores (like Vacuuming)
Around 250 calories per hour
Feel like household chores can be hard work? Because they are! We’re not talking about chores you can do with minimal movement like washing the dishes, but rather chores that require full body movement such as vacuuming or sweeping. They’re a great way for you to stay active and to burn calories.
2. Yoga
Around 300 calories per hour
If you’re already doing morning stretches, it’s a great chance for you to take it a step further and try out some yoga moves. Yoga may not seem like a natural calorie burner, but it actually requires a lot of balance and control. Definitely tougher than it seems!
3. Cleaning (Heavy Cleaning, like Scrubbing Floors)
Around 350 calories per hour
Similar to household chores, anything more extreme that requires constant movement and applied strength will bring your heart rate up. Just because it doesn’t happen in a workout class, it doesn’t mean these high-intensity activities are not a workout.
4. Power Walking
Around 400 calories per hour
As opposed to just regular walking, if you intentionally put some speed in and pick up your pace, it can significantly bring up the calories burned. Not to mention, it can become your gateway into jogging or light running once your body is accustomed to it.
5. Gardening
Around 450 calories per hour
Squatting, lifting, and constant arm movements – sound like a workout class? Nope! That’s gardening for you. It’s a great way to get some physical activity in while being outdoors.
6. Mowing the Lawn
Around 450 calories per hour
Mowing the lawn is actually quite similar to a strength exercise in the gym called the sled push. Both requiring horizontal pushing force, it’s a great way to get your steps in while training some upper body strength.
7. Shoveling Snow
Around 450 calories per hour
Don’t be fooled by not sweating in the cold weather. Shoveling snow is not just a strength exercise, but if you do it at a consistent pace, it becomes just like a high intensity interval workout (HIIT), a sure way to get your body fired up!
8. Cycling
Around 500 calories per hour
If you live in an area that’s friendly for cyclists, consider cycling if you’re often running errands or going to work nearby. It’s an easy way to get your calories burned while doing everyday things. Plus points for the breeze!
9. Running
Around 500 calories per hour
Running has become trendier in the recent years, there’s no better time to pick it up than now. It’s the undisputable exercise for burning calories, with extra benefits of improving cardiovascular health and aerobic capacity. Here’s my beginner’s guide on how to get started in running.
10. Elliptical Trainer
Around 500 calories per hour
Prefer to remain indoors? The elliptical trainer will be your best friend as a crazy calorie burner. Unlike the treadmill, the movement of an elliptical trainer promotes bigger body movements including the upper body, as it requires your arms to move according to your leg movements.