From Quaker Oats.com


Spring Into Fitness with Spring Cleaning


The cold winter months are finally drawing to a close. That means one of the most dreaded chores of the year is close at hand its time to do the spring cleaning! If you let your workout routine slide during the winter, its likely that your muscles could use a bit of sprucing up in addition to your house. Luckily, spring cleaning can be the perfect solution to both of your problems. Many of the tasks associated with cleaning your house, such as sweeping and lifting, can help tone and strengthen your muscles.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your spring cleaning:

Turn on some fast paced music. Your goal is to create more steps and more movements for yourself, which will help intensify your workout. Listening to some energizing music can also help distract you while you are cleaning.
Focus on muscle groups. Try to associate certain tasks with specific muscle groups. To help strengthen your abdominal muscles, for example, try to keep the rest of your body still while twisting your midsection to clean countertops.
Stretch your legs. Do you want your legs to look great in your summer shorts? Try adding some lunges to help stretch your leg muscles whenever you are pushing a broom or vacuum cleaner across the floor.
Exaggerate your motions. Whether you are reaching to clean light fixtures or making circular motions while washing the windows, make an effort to exaggerate your motions. This will help further stretch and strengthen your muscles.
Pack up your winter clothes. Its time to pull all of your sweaters and other wintertime apparel out of your closets to make room for your spring clothing. The repeated motions of folding and lifting can help stretch the muscles in your arms and midsection.
Break out the paint brushes. Is the outside of your home in need of a fresh coat of paint after the harsh winter months? From using your arm muscles to lift heavy paint cans to bending and stretching your leg muscles while painting, you can get a great workout while you are giving your house a fresh new look!
Do some gardening. Now that the inside of your home is sparkling clean, its time to head out to the garden! Gardening is another great springtime chore that can help enhance your fitness level since it requires endurance, flexibility and strength, all of which define a well-rounded workout.