10 Easy, Every-Day Exercises (to Improve Your Heart Health!)

“I don’t have time”, “The gym is too expensive”, “I’m too tired”, “It doesn’t work”, “I can’t stay motivated”, “I have to take care of the family”, “It hurts!” 

These are some of the top reasons people don’t exercise… but these excuses have no weight when it comes to simple, easy-to-do daily exercise, especially if you barely know you’re doing them. Ready to improve your overall wellbeing and heart health? How is this for a title?

‘How to Exercise Every Day Without Even Knowing it!’ Here’s what you can do!

1. Clean the House!

You have to do it anyway, and did you know that most housework is considered exercise? Vacuuming, moping, dusting – these are all things that burn calories. Want to step it up a notch and make it more fun? Put on some good tunes and dance your way to a clean floor. (mops make great dance partners).

– Note: This is also a great activity to include the kids in. Making cleaning fun will get everyone involved. Little guys can dust and wipe things down, and the older ones can hang laundry or vacuum ahead of your mop. 

– Calories Burned: 112 in half an hour mopping

2. Speed Walk While you run Errands.

Whether you are just walking from the car to the bank, or making your way through a mall in search of the perfect birthday gift, a little extra pep in your step can make a world of difference in turning your errand into your 30-minutes-a-day cardio session.

3. Dog Walking Groups.

Walking the dog doesn’t have to be a ‘around the block’ thing. There are many different dog-walking classes across Canada that get you out and active and often incorporate mommy exercise as well. Doing a few stairs and making stops in parks is best for Fido and for you (Fido’s heart health is important too!). Try something like this once a week and carry on guilt-free.

Want to know if having a pet can actually help your heart? Here’s what you need to know about how a fluffy friend can help YOU! (And remember, #adoptdontshop!)

4. Relocate Your Friend Dates.

Instead of meeting at a coffee shop to catch up on all the latest and greatest, get a coffee to go (in a re-usable cup!) and meet in a park. Bring a blanket and a frisbee and let the good times roll! Not only will walking through the park to find the perfect sitting spot give you a few extra steps on the step counter, but you may even be inspired to have a little fun! Every extra step is a step in the direction of better heart health!

5. Make ‘Playtime’ Into ‘Workout Time’ with Your Family.

Fun games like Wii Sports and other active video games are fun for the whole family and hardly feel like a chore. Not into video games? Why not try the latest TikTok dance challenge to keep moving?

6. Flex and Release.

It’s as easy as that. If you’re standing around or even sitting for long periods of time, take a few minutes to just flex and release your bum/leg/ab muscles. 10 reps for 10 seconds will have you well on your way to looking and feeling great – plus, it helps pass the time 😉

7. Grocery Shopping.

Yet another activity you are already doing. A 45 minute trip to the market can amount to a hefty 117 calories burned with a cart. And that doesn’t include child wrangling!

   – Note: Want to kick it up a notch? Carry your bags instead of grabbing a shopping cart. More trips to the grocery store with smaller quantities usually lends itself to fresh food for your family and an extra cardio session for you 🙂

8. Stairs, Stairs, Stairs

It is something we all consider for the blink of an eye before merging into the escalator line. Try taking the stairs at least once a day when you would have normally taken the escalator. For every 4 elevating trips we challenge you to make one of those healthy. Just keep a normal pace and continue on at the top like you owned them. One step for you, one step for mankind.

       – Note: No stairs in your daily commute? Take the long way around. We know there may be a shortcut to your desk but take the scenic route once in a while. Great for easy exercise and even better for seeing the little gems you may miss out on otherwise!

9. Gardening

As if you needed another reason to get out into the sun this summer, gardening can burn 204 calories in 40 minutes. Not only will you feel great getting the family outside and getting extra vitamin D, but you are single handedly increasing oxygen levels around your home… while exercising!

10. Wash Your Car by Hand

This method not only saves you money at the car wash but it is really fun! A pale of soapy water and a sponge for each family member will guarantee a clean car, great family time, core muscle strengthening, better heart health, and even an impromptu water fight!

That’s it! See? Look how much you are probably actually doing! Just kick it up a notch and get rid of the guilt. Your body will thank you for it.