Getting Active Around the House

As the temperatures begin to drop this fall getting out your warm house, into the cold weather, and driving to the gym does not always sound pleasing. Thankfully, the American Heart Association (AHA) has tips and tricks for getting your weekly physical activity done inside your home.
If you’re not into bodyweight workouts or planned exercises that’s ok! AHA suggests using chores to get your physical activity in. For example, how much laundry can you fold in one play of Pat Benatar’s Invincible? Got any kiddos wandering around your house? Make up a list of chores and find a prize and you’ve got a nice little competition on your hands, active kids and a clean house! Having a competition or having everyone help clean up after dinner also gives time for you and your family to do an evening activity together, such as a walk around the neighborhood.
If you do like to plan your exercise, home circuit workouts are a great option for you. For each three minute circuit, you alternate between cardio and strength exercises. Plan your circuit then complete it two or three times. So put on your gear, get your favorite playlist going, find some space in your house, and you’ve got your workout done in 30 minutes.
Cardio options include:
- Jumping Jacks
- Jump Rope
- High Knees
- Mountain Climbers
- Burpees
Strengthening options include:
- Planks
- Pushups
- Sit-ups
- Lunges
- Triceps Dips
So put on your gear, get your favorite playlist going, find some space in your house, and you’ve got your workout done in 30 minutes.
Whether you have time for a full workout or just enough time to vacuum the living room, with tips from the AHA getting your activity in is easy.
About Health and Wellness Coalition

Health and Wellness Coalition is a community coalition working to promote physical activity and good nutrition for every generation living in the greater Wichita area through people, programs, and policies. Learn more at hwcwichita.org.
“Physical Activity Around the House.” American Heart Association, 16 Dec. 2013, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Physical-Activity-Around-the-House_UCM_310806_Article.jsp#.W0yZjkgvyUm. Accessed 16 July 2018.
“Create a Circuit Home Workout Infographic.” American Heart Association, 23 June 2017, https://healthyforgood.heart.org/move-more/infographics/create-a-circuit-home-workout. Accessed 16 July 2018.