Posted by Charlotte Salter, on March 13, 2012.
New research from Loughborough University shows that doing up to an hour of housework a day can burn off 200 calories, which is the minimum daily recommendation of moderate intensity exercise.
The Housework Heptathlon for Health shows how you can turn your home into a gym. Picking up a mop or duster can not only make a contribution to fitness and health – but will also keep your house spick and span as a bonus!
Legendary fitness guru Mr Motivator has joined The British Science Association and Loughborough University to encourage the nation to keep fit whilst doing everyday jobs around the home.
Mr Motivator said: “Whether it’s dusting your mantlepiece, cleaning the bath or cutting the grass, putting in some elbow grease around the home can help you work up to the energy levels needed to shed the suggested daily calorie count. Grab your cleaning products and become a Housework Heptathlete now for better health!”
| The Housework Heptathlon | Time |
| Dusting the house or changing bed linen | 60 mins |
| Mopping floors | 45 mins |
| Vacuuming carpets | 45 mins |
| Going shopping with a basket instead of a trolley, carrying it home and putting it away | 45 mins |
| Scrubbing the bathroom | 45 mins |
| Gardening | 40 mins |
| Mowing the lawn | 30 mins |
“Research has shown that some household activities use enough energy to be classified as moderate intensity physical activity.” Said Loughborough’s David Stensel, a Reader in Exercise Metabolism. “The amount of activity required to burn this will vary depending on age and body mass, amongst other factors, but for the average UK person aged 35 the calculations in the Housework Heptathlon are a good guideline for a way to expend energy and do something constructive around the home.”
For more of Mr Motivator’s Housework Heptathlon tips, visit www.facebook.com/ScienceWeekUK. To get the latest updates on National Science and Engineering Week 2012 visit www.nsew.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ScienceWeekUK.
Loughborough University is hosting a series of events to mark National Science and Engineering Week. For further details visit: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/nsew/
UKCPI provides expert and balanced information about cleaning and hygiene in the home and in the workplace. Everyday millions of people use cleaning products to give them the clean and safe lifestyle that they expect and take for granted in the 21st century. Find out more at www.ukcpi.org
