Those tedious household chores might be doing more than just keeping your home clean; they could be improving your health, according to medical experts.
Dr. Grant Reed, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said everyday household activities can contribute significantly to physical fitness goals.
“Anything that you do that keeps you active is good for you,” he explains.
Common household tasks like vacuuming, mopping, and yard work can provide meaningful health benefits.
“Vacuuming or mopping, gardening, yard work, carrying laundry, groceries, these are the things that are probably more active, and it can lead to the biggest benefits,” Reed said. “Again, every little bit counts. So even if you’re doing 20 or 30 minutes at a time, being active is good.”
Research backs health benefits
A large-scale study following 130,000 people across 17 countries found compelling evidence for the health benefits of regular physical activity.
The research revealed that performing 30 minutes of any physical activity five days a week could reduce the risk of early death by 28 percent and heart disease risk by 20 percent.
Beyond basic movement
While household chores contribute to overall health, Reed emphasizes the additional advantages of incorporating dedicated exercise into daily routines.
“Movement increases your flexibility, decreases the risk of fractures as we get older,” Reed said. “And in specific, the more we exercise, the more calories we burn. It also speeds up our metabolic rate when we rest. It provides endorphins, and it’s something which is very satisfying to many people. Exercise is one of the highlights of their day. It can improve your mood. And ultimately having a healthy lifestyle is one of the most predictive things when it comes to those patients who have lower risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Calorie-burning benefits
For those tracking their physical activity, common household tasks can contribute significantly to daily movement goals:
- 30 minutes of vacuuming or mopping burns approximately 100 calories
- Changing sheets on all beds can burn up to 180 calories
- Carrying laundry counts as strength training
The evidence suggests that maintaining an active household doesn’t just result in a cleaner living space – it could be a key component of a healthier lifestyle.