The best exercise

Swimming? Running or walking for 30 minutes every-day? Or going to Gym to work on a treadmill or cross trainer? Certainly, these are not bad. But, housework as a whole is the best.

Well does housework really count as exercise? A new research released in the UK found an hour of mopping the floor burns about the same calories as the same time spent lifting weights in the gym.

Scientists claim 238 calories are burned in an hour of pushing a mop and bucket across a floor, as well as wringing the mop out afterwards. Usually majority of the females in our country do the household works everyday without much appreciation. In fact, all housewives are working women.

According to another survey by the Discovery Channel, many of us find cleaning our homes mentally therapeutic. Get more involved in the kitchen and try to make your own room including the bed.

Housework is a great way to burn calories. In particular, polishing, dusting and sweeping are great for keeping arms in shape. Bending and stretching, especially, when you make the bed, wash windows or do the laundry are good for toning thighs and improving flexibility. Stop using lifts and run up and down the stairs — it is a good aerobic workout. In case of problems with heart/joint — these are not applicable.

We all need more or less 60 minutes of physical activity every day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Anything that you do yourself active is going to increase your health benefits; it could be as little as making your own tea but do it on a regular basis.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@gmail.com