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12 House Cleaning Chores That Burn Calories Every Minute

These everyday activities burn a lot of calories.

Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 11, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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Woman in protective gloves is smiling and wiping dust using a spray and a duster
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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 11, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Having a clean home isn’t just good for your mental state—it’s also a great way to burn hundreds of calories, especially after age 50 when low-impact workouts are helpful. “All kinds of physical activity – not just formal exercise programs – burn calories and strengthen muscles,” says the American Cancer Society. “As long as you’re working at something hard enough to get you breathing harder and your heart beating faster, you’re exercising. The more, the better, but even just 5 minutes at a time adds up.” Here are 12 cleaning chores that burn calories after 50.

Vacuuming

Young woman using vacuum cleaner at home, closeupShutterstock

Cleaning company Homeaglow asked ten cleaners to wear Fitbits while they worked to find out how many calories were being burned. They discovered that cleaning the living room burns “6.3 calories per minute in the living room over 30+ mins”, a heart rate that can be compared to a weight training session.

Dusting

Woman wiping stainless steel refrigerator door with rag and cleaning agent. Housewife cleans the kitchenShutterstock

Dusting can burn calories and engage arms and shoulders, “especially when you’re reaching up high,” certified personal trainer Stephanie Thomas tells the Washington Post. She recommends “lunges or squats as you move around the room” and using alternate hands for each room to “create muscular balance.”

Doing Laundry

Feel softness, asian young woman, female hand holding pile clothing from table, stack folding clean clothes after washing, laundry and dry. Household working at home. Laundry and maid concept.Shutterstock

Doing laundry is a notoriously unpopular household chore but can be turned into a good workout. “When you are folding clothes, for example, you could do push-ups or modified push-ups at an incline against the bed or a couch,” Thomas tells the Washington Post.

Scrubbing the Floor

Smiling girl wash the floor with rag and detergentShutterstock

Getting down on your hands and knees to scrub the floor is a great exercise. “Incorporating more squatting or lunging type movements into your cleaning, trying to stay moving the whole time, and making additional trips up and down the stairs,” Physiotherapist Dr. Dave Candy tells Homeaglow. “Additionally, cleaning more often rather than waiting until the house gets messy can help increase the frequency of your "workouts" while also keeping your home looking tidier.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Loading the Dishwasher

Portrait of beautiful African American woman wearing casual clothes loading dishwasher with dishes in kitchen at home. Housework conceptShutterstock

“Loading and unloading a dishwasher requires a full range of motion as you go from stooping over the dishwasher to reaching up to a shelf,” Duston Morris, a professor of health promotion and health behavior at Maryland University of Integrative Health, tells the Washington Post: “If you’re using house cleaning as a way to increase movement and physical activity, do 20 to 30 minutes each day.”

Weeding the Plants

A young woman pulls weeds in her huge garden in the spring, clearing the garden after winterShutterstock

Weeding plants and other forms of yard work can burn a lot of calories. “Even the less strenuous forms of garden upkeep - weeding, trimming, raking - can burn off about 300 calories an hour,” says Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension. “Spading, lifting, tilling, and raking can improve muscle tone and strength.”

Mopping

Man as a professional cleaner in blue uniform washing floor with mopping stick and bucket in the living room of the apartmentShutterstock

Experts say mopping can be a mini-workout. “When you vacuum and mop, you’re engaging your core muscles,” Morris tells the Washington Post. “Sweep or mop some of your floors with your right hand on the top of the broom handle and your left hand on the lower portion of the broom handle. Then do the other half of your floors with your hands in the opposite position.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Cleaning the Kitchen

beautiful adult woman with glasses in a yellow t-shirt does house cleaningShutterstock

Cleaning the kitchen is a great way to burn calories, researchers say. “If you want to burn the most calories cleaning your house, the kitchen is your best bet,” Homeaglow researchers say. “Our results show that the cleaners in our experiment averaged burning 276 calories per kitchen — which is equivalent to jogging for just under 40 mins straight.”

Tidying Up

A tidy morning man making his bed in the morning at his cozy home.Shutterstock

Just tidying up, in general, burns calories—try squatting to pick things up for the extra exercise. “Don't be afraid to really scrub down those surfaces and tiles or run the vacuum around the house,” fitness expert Joe Mitton tells Homeaglow. “When it comes to burning more calories, we need to think about the bigger muscle groups and more difficult household cleaning tasks. Rather than bending over to clean something, squat down and hold the squat.”

Raking Leaves

Rake with fallen leaves in the park. Janitor cleans leaves in autumn. Volunteering, cleaning, and ecology concept.Shutterstock

Raking leaves can burn hundreds of calories. “Raking and disposing of leaves is more than a chore. It can be a very demanding exercise,” says the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Although exercise is good for you, this workout can be full of repetitive motions… Don't bend at the waist to lift heavy items, such as leaves, bags, or equipment. Instead, bend at the knees and keep your back straight.”

Using a Shovel

A mature man clean path near house from snow during strong blizzard. Person shoveling snow out of the driveway. Huge snowdrifts. Difficult situation in the city after a snow stormShutterstock

Shoveling snow is a low-intensity exercise that burns plenty of calories. “Shoveling snow is such strenuous exercise that, according to Harvard Medical School, an 185-pound person can expect to burn about 266 calories after just a half hour of shoveling,” says the CDC. “Because shoveling snow is a workout, it is important for people who have any medical concerns to talk to their physician before performing any strenuous exercise in the cold.”

RELATED: 10-Minute Full Body Workout for Losing Weight

Make It Count

Happy couple, armed with cleaning equipment, bringing joy to the living room. Family showing fun teamwork and shared responsibility, where household chores become moments of connection.Shutterstock

“Make your household chores count by working at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping,” says the American Cancer Society. “A 150–pound person can burn about 150 calories an hour this way. Get the whole family involved to get the job done quicker and to help get everyone moving.

💪🔥Body Booster: Squatting instead of bending over to clean will help burn more calories.

sustainable weight loss

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Fitness & Workouts

12 House Cleaning Chores That Burn Calories Every Minute

Woman in protective gloves is smiling and wiping dust using a spray and a duster
Shutterstock
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastJun 11, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Having a clean home isn’t just good for your mental state—it’s also a great way to burn hundreds of calories, especially after age 50 when low-impact workouts are helpful. “All kinds of physical activity – not just formal exercise programs – burn calories and strengthen muscles,” says the American Cancer Society. “As long as you’re working at something hard enough to get you breathing harder and your heart beating faster, you’re exercising. The more, the better, but even just 5 minutes at a time adds up.” Here are 12 cleaning chores that burn calories after 50.

Vacuuming

Young woman using vacuum cleaner at home, closeupShutterstock

Cleaning company Homeaglow asked ten cleaners to wear Fitbits while they worked to find out how many calories were being burned. They discovered that cleaning the living room burns “6.3 calories per minute in the living room over 30+ mins”, a heart rate that can be compared to a weight training session.

Dusting

Woman wiping stainless steel refrigerator door with rag and cleaning agent. Housewife cleans the kitchenShutterstock

Dusting can burn calories and engage arms and shoulders, “especially when you’re reaching up high,” certified personal trainer Stephanie Thomas tells the Washington Post. She recommends “lunges or squats as you move around the room” and using alternate hands for each room to “create muscular balance.”

Doing Laundry

Feel softness, asian young woman, female hand holding pile clothing from table, stack folding clean clothes after washing, laundry and dry. Household working at home. Laundry and maid concept.Shutterstock

Doing laundry is a notoriously unpopular household chore but can be turned into a good workout. “When you are folding clothes, for example, you could do push-ups or modified push-ups at an incline against the bed or a couch,” Thomas tells the Washington Post.

Scrubbing the Floor

Smiling girl wash the floor with rag and detergentShutterstock

Getting down on your hands and knees to scrub the floor is a great exercise. “Incorporating more squatting or lunging type movements into your cleaning, trying to stay moving the whole time, and making additional trips up and down the stairs,” Physiotherapist Dr. Dave Candy tells Homeaglow. “Additionally, cleaning more often rather than waiting until the house gets messy can help increase the frequency of your "workouts" while also keeping your home looking tidier.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Loading the Dishwasher

Portrait of beautiful African American woman wearing casual clothes loading dishwasher with dishes in kitchen at home. Housework conceptShutterstock

“Loading and unloading a dishwasher requires a full range of motion as you go from stooping over the dishwasher to reaching up to a shelf,” Duston Morris, a professor of health promotion and health behavior at Maryland University of Integrative Health, tells the Washington Post: “If you’re using house cleaning as a way to increase movement and physical activity, do 20 to 30 minutes each day.”

Weeding the Plants

A young woman pulls weeds in her huge garden in the spring, clearing the garden after winterShutterstock

Weeding plants and other forms of yard work can burn a lot of calories. “Even the less strenuous forms of garden upkeep - weeding, trimming, raking - can burn off about 300 calories an hour,” says Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension. “Spading, lifting, tilling, and raking can improve muscle tone and strength.”

Mopping

Man as a professional cleaner in blue uniform washing floor with mopping stick and bucket in the living room of the apartmentShutterstock

Experts say mopping can be a mini-workout. “When you vacuum and mop, you’re engaging your core muscles,” Morris tells the Washington Post. “Sweep or mop some of your floors with your right hand on the top of the broom handle and your left hand on the lower portion of the broom handle. Then do the other half of your floors with your hands in the opposite position.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Cleaning the Kitchen

beautiful adult woman with glasses in a yellow t-shirt does house cleaningShutterstock

Cleaning the kitchen is a great way to burn calories, researchers say. “If you want to burn the most calories cleaning your house, the kitchen is your best bet,” Homeaglow researchers say. “Our results show that the cleaners in our experiment averaged burning 276 calories per kitchen — which is equivalent to jogging for just under 40 mins straight.”

Tidying Up

A tidy morning man making his bed in the morning at his cozy home.Shutterstock

Just tidying up, in general, burns calories—try squatting to pick things up for the extra exercise. “Don't be afraid to really scrub down those surfaces and tiles or run the vacuum around the house,” fitness expert Joe Mitton tells Homeaglow. “When it comes to burning more calories, we need to think about the bigger muscle groups and more difficult household cleaning tasks. Rather than bending over to clean something, squat down and hold the squat.”

Raking Leaves

Rake with fallen leaves in the park. Janitor cleans leaves in autumn. Volunteering, cleaning, and ecology concept.Shutterstock

Raking leaves can burn hundreds of calories. “Raking and disposing of leaves is more than a chore. It can be a very demanding exercise,” says the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Although exercise is good for you, this workout can be full of repetitive motions… Don't bend at the waist to lift heavy items, such as leaves, bags, or equipment. Instead, bend at the knees and keep your back straight.”

Using a Shovel

A mature man clean path near house from snow during strong blizzard. Person shoveling snow out of the driveway. Huge snowdrifts. Difficult situation in the city after a snow stormShutterstock

Shoveling snow is a low-intensity exercise that burns plenty of calories. “Shoveling snow is such strenuous exercise that, according to Harvard Medical School, an 185-pound person can expect to burn about 266 calories after just a half hour of shoveling,” says the CDC. “Because shoveling snow is a workout, it is important for people who have any medical concerns to talk to their physician before performing any strenuous exercise in the cold.”

RELATED: 10-Minute Full Body Workout for Losing Weight

Make It Count

Happy couple, armed with cleaning equipment, bringing joy to the living room. Family showing fun teamwork and shared responsibility, where household chores become moments of connection.Shutterstock

“Make your household chores count by working at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping,” says the American Cancer Society. “A 150–pound person can burn about 150 calories an hour this way. Get the whole family involved to get the job done quicker and to help get everyone moving.

💪🔥Body Booster: Squatting instead of bending over to clean will help burn more calories.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Effective Ways to Walk to Burn Body Fat

Woman jogging in the forest
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Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastApr 17, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Walking is one of the most effective—and convenient—ways to burn fat and get fit. There’s a reason #HotGirlWalks is so popular in the online fitness space: Walking is a low-impact way of working out with a low chance of causing injury, and it’s accessible for essentially any fitness level or ability. All you have to do is get going and build your way up to the ideal level of endurance. And the best part is, you don’t have to buy any equipment or fancy gadgets. All that’s needed is some decent shoes, a space to walk (whether outside or on the spot), and the motivation to make it happen. Here are five ways to walk to burn body fat—no gym membership is needed!

Burning Calories

Walking or running legs sport shoes, fitness and exercising in autumn or winter nature. Cross country or trail runner outdoors.Shutterstock

Experts say you can’t lose weight without burning off more calories than you take in—and walking is a great way to do that. “Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories,” Katherine Zeratsky, RD, LD, tells the Mayo Clinic. “If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.”

Walk For At Least 30 Minutes

Back view of a hipster girl walking on city streetShutterstock

Because walking is a lower-intensity cardio exercise, you need to do it for at least 30 minutes to get the fat-burning benefits. “If you walk 2 miles, you’ll burn 200 calories, mostly from carbs but a little from fat because, as you reach the end of your walk, when you’re using mostly slow glycolysis and your oxidative system,” according to HPRC. “If you run 2 miles, you’ll still burn 200 calories, but you will do so faster than with walking and almost exclusively from carbs. Since 2 miles is a fairly short distance, you will probably finish the run in less time than it takes for your body to start the fat-oxidation process. A cardio session should be at least 20–30 minutes and at an intensity of about 70% of your max heart rate in order to maximize fat loss during exercise.”

RELATED:Becky Greenan Shows Off Six-Pack and Reveals Her 10-Minute At-Home “Abs and Core” Workout

Raising Your Heart Rate

Running athlete man looking at smartwatch heart rate monitor GPS smart watch. Runner listening to music in earphones. Athlete resting tired after training on Big Island, Hawaii, USA.Shutterstock

Even walking in place will get your heart rate going and burn fat. Just move! “Anything that gets you moving instead of just sitting or lying down is going to be beneficial for you in the long run,” exercise physiologist Jordan Boreman, MS, CES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “By walking in place, you’re raising your heart rate, which is going to signal to your body to start pumping more oxygen and blood to your muscles to help them move more efficiently, thus burning more calories.”

Interval Training

Abstract image of people in motion with blurred backgroundShutterstock

Interval training is a good way to give your walks an edge. “You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking,” say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. “This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. And interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.”

RELATED:Nicole Winter Flashes Flat Abs and Shares Lower Body At-Home Workout for Beginners

Change the Intensity

Couple of Young Happy Travelers Hiking with Backpacks on the Beautiful Rocky Trail at Warm Summer Sunset. Family Travel and Adventure Concept.Shutterstock

Don’t forget to vary your walking pace as your body becomes accustomed to your fitness level. “It’s very good for people who are just starting out,” Boreman says. “Walking in place is an exercise that’s going to help you burn calories over a short time span. Over time, your body is going to get used to the exercise that you’re doing. So varying it up and increasing intensity as you go on can help with additional weight loss. It’s convenient, it’s something that you don’t have to travel anywhere to do it either.”

Nutrition & Diet

Woman Who Lost 20 Pounds Shares 8 Ways to Burn Calories Without Exercise

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab
Copyright fitbymahtab/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothDec 15, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight without having to work out? According to one expert, it’s totally possible. Mahtab Ekay is a fat loss coach and social media influencer who lost over 20 pounds and helps other people do the same. In a recent social media post, she reveals how to lose weight without breaking a sweat. “Here are 5 ways to burn calories without exercise,” she writes across the Instagram video.

Take Hourly Breaks

The first thing to do? Take hourly breaks. “Get up, stretch your legs, take a brisk walk, and stay hydrated with water. Frequent movement boosts metabolism and helps burn extra calories throughout the day,” she suggests in her post.

Prioritize Protein

Next, prioritize protein, “Include protein-rich foods in your meals and snacks. Protein requires more energy to digest, increasing calorie expenditure and promoting satiety, which aids weight loss,” she says.

RELATED: She Started Walking 15,000 Daily Steps to Lose Weight but Found Something Better

Optimize Sleep

Rest is also important. “Optimize sleep: Aim for quality sleep each night to support your body’s natural fat-burning processes. Lack of sleep disrupts metabolism and hormone regulation, leading to increased calorie retention.

Do Chores Around the House

Housework can help you slim down. “Engage in daily chores,” she says. “Incorporate household tasks into your routine, like cleaning in the morning and evening. Activities like vacuuming, sweeping, and tidying up can elevate your heart rate and burn calories.”

Drink Water Before You Eat

She also offers a hydration hack. “Hydrate before meals,” she says. “Drink a glass of water before eating to help control appetite and prevent overeating. Water boosts metabolism and aids digestion, indirectly contributing to calorie burning.”

RELATED: 11 Protein Mistakes Are Ruining Your Fat Loss, According to Trainer

Avoid Processed Foods

What should you avoid? “Minimize processed foods,” she says. “Highly processed foods often contain excess calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leading to weight gain over time. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense options instead.”

Avoid Stress

Also, take a zen approach and manage stress. “Chronic stress can lead to emotional eating and disrupt metabolism, making weight loss harder. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Weight Loss Clinic Red Flags That Made Experts Say “Run Away Now”

Don’t Be Extreme with Calorie Restriction

Lastly, avoid extreme calorie restriction. “Severely limiting calorie intake can slow down metabolism and trigger the body’s starvation response, conserving energy and hindering weight loss. Focus on balanced, sustainable eating habits instead,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

This 15-Minute Walking Workout Has 87,000 People Burning Fat Without Leaving Home

Lucy_Wyndham_Read_lucywyndhamread11
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackNov 18, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
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FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Can't find time to exercise between work, family, and life's demands? You're not alone. That's why 87,000 people have turned to celebrity fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read's game-changing walking workout. With three decades of experience and 2.47M YouTube subscribers, Lucy has perfected the art of burning fat without leaving your living room. Her 15-minute routine requires zero equipment and minimal space, making it perfect for busy schedules. Read on to discover the exact moves that are helping thousands transform their bodies while watching TV, working from home, or even wearing pajamas.

Jump-Start Your Metabolism: Basic March and Corner Walks

Begin igniting your fat burn with a basic march in place, maintaining a tall posture for maximum calorie burn. "Land nice and softly with those feet. Keep those feet moving," Lucy instructs in her post. Progress to walking toward corners with slight leg bends to engage more muscles. "It doesn't matter if you don't get the move straight away," Lucy reassures, "just follow along. We're doing this at home, nobody's watching."

Fat-Burning Power Moves: Punches and Side Steps

Accelerate your calorie burn with power punches while marching. "These low impact workouts are perfect if you don't like being a burpee girl," Lucy explains. Add lateral side steps with arm pulls to target stubborn inner and outer thigh areas. Lucy emphasizes making the moves as wide as comfortable: "The wider you step it, the more intense that is working through those legs."

RELATED:Woman Lost 50 Pounds on the 5050 Diet and Never Felt Hungry

Upper Body Sculpting: Rope Pulls and Arm Circles

Keep your heart rate elevated while toning your arms and shoulders. "We're toning and sculpting your whole body at the same time with these moves," Lucy shares. Incorporate circling arms into your power march for increased calorie burn. These movements simultaneously strengthen your chest and upper back while maintaining fat-burning momentum.

Metabolic Boosters: Knee-Friendly Strength Moves

These strategic movements protect your joints while maximizing calorie burn. "We're actually going to build strength around the knees because we're really working through the lower body, we're making those legs nice and strong," Lucy explains. She adds a practical tip: "You can do all my workouts, these low impact ones, walking ones, you can do them in your pajamas. You don't need to be in workout gear."

Calorie-Burning Coordination

Multi-tasking movements increase your workout's effectiveness. "We're having to focus on what we're doing with this double step and this clap. So it's going to help improve what we call your motor skills and your coordination." These movements don't just burn calories – they enhance overall body awareness and mental acuity.

RELATED:Dad Drops 125 Pounds in Just 13 Months By Eating These Foods Every Day

Heart-Rate Elevating Moves

Strategic arm movements maximize fat burn. "Anytime we take the arms above heart level just means we're working your heart. Cardiovascular fitness a little bit harder," Lucy notes. These movements are particularly effective for women in different life stages: "This is great if you're perimenopause, menopause, postmenopausal as well."

Sustainable Fat Loss Approach

Lucy highlights long-term success: "You and I are focusing on your future health. I want you to wake up every morning feeling fit, healthy, and strong." She stresses healthy motivation: "Weight loss should only ever be for better health. It's not about appearance. We just want to be in our healthy weight range."

Maximum Burn: Fast Feet and Cross-Country

The workout peaks with high-energy movements. "Low impact is just as effective as high impact," Lucy emphasizes. The finale features cross-country skiing movements, which Lucy describes as "a really dynamic full-body move, also great for a lovely stretch."

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Shares 5 Key Reverse Dieting Hacks

Pro Tip

Personalize your fat-burning session by playing your favorite music. "This workout today has always just been about focusing on improving and investing in your future health," Lucy concludes. Her approach proves that effective fat burning doesn't require complicated routines or expensive equipment – just 15 minutes of strategic movement in your own home. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

12 Ways to Lose Weight Simply by Walking

Happy fit middle aged woman cheering and celebrating as she walks along a rural lane through a leafy green park after working out jogging.
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Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
By Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coachMay 15, 2024
Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
Adita Yrizarry-Lang is a Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Author, and Speaker.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Walking is one of the most overlooked activities that has a wide array of health benefits, including weight loss. If you like counting steps, your goal should be 10,000 or more, which is about 5 miles. Don’t let those numbers overwhelm you. We have dozens of opportunities throughout the day to add in the steps; it’s all about your mindset. Here are my top 12 ways to use walking as your weight loss activity of choice.

1. Put Some “Pep in Your Step”

Abstract image of people in motion with blurred backgroundShutterstock

Put some “pep in your step.” Walking a bit faster during your daily routine helps to burn additional calories and kicks on the metabolism. Any time we can turn on the metabolism, we become more efficient at burning calories throughout the day.

2. Take 5-Minute Walk Breaks

Front view of blank white isolated poster on a light grey wall at the entrance to modern loft office interior with concrete floor and walking businessman on window city view background. MockupShutterstock

Do you spend endless hours at your desk? For every hour at the desk, take a five-minute brisk walk. By the end of an 8-hour workday you would have turned on your metabolism 8 times, left work with a 40-minute workout under your belt, and created a moment to reset the mind from the day’s craziness.

3. Take a Nature Walk

Asian young beautiful female backpacker traveling alone in forest wild. Attractive girl traveler look around and explore while walk in nature wood with happiness and fun during holiday vacation trip.Shutterstock

A stressed body easily stores fat. I know, this is harsh to hear, but so true. At moments of stress, taking a walk in nature can help to reset the mind. Not to mention the calories burned at the time of activity, and the stress reducing effects that will help the body shed some weight.

4. Walk Around the House

Woman walking barefoot at home, closeup. Floor heating conceptShutterstock

Walking at home? Yup, there is no rule that you have to walk a distance for benefits. Walking in place or walking around the house can have a positive effect on weight loss. Playing around with speed or tempo helps the body burn extra calories. Blasting your favorite music and walking in place, can be a fun way of incorporating some steps into your day.

5. Street Sign Relay

A close up photo of a red stop sign in a residential neighborhood.Shutterstock

Street Sign Relay: When taking a walk outside, use the street signs to create speed intervals. Faster to the stop sign and slower to the next street sign. This moves your heart rate up and down, helping to burn more calories, strengthen the heart, and make the workout more interesting.

6. Treadmill Cardio

leg of fat woman being run or jog on belt of treadmill machineShutterstock

Do treadmill cardio. If the outside elements are not in your favor, the treadmill is the next best thing. Treadmills absorb the forces on the body and can easily change intensity and speed. This allows you to manipulate your workouts easier, all while keeping you in your target zone.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

7. Keep Yourself in a Target Zone

Hiking in the mountains. Female legs with sports shoes and backpack running on a trail mountain, close upShutterstock

No matter how you squeeze in the walks, keeping yourself in a target zone allows the body to shed off excess weight easier. If you listen to your breathing, you have two choices. While you speak, there is a little bit of breathiness in between a few words, this is a good thing, this means you’re working hard, but not too hard, and you’re in your fat burning zone. On the other hand, if your breath is labored and your words are not clear, you’re working too hard, and no longer burning fat.

Related: Top 5 Tips for Losing Weight the Healthy Way, According to a Weight Loss Expert

8. Walk Up and Down Inclines

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

Go for the highs and lows. Having the ability to walk up and down hill challenges the body more and makes it easier to burn calories. This can easily be done outdoors or on a treadmill. Working your way up to the point of breathiness, then working your way down to catch your breath, then going back up again.

9. Take the Stairs

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Take the stairs. The stairs bring in those high and lows, creating an efficient workout that can be performed in one session or throughout the day. If you work at an office, opt for the stairs and not the elevator, even though you may only be going up one flight of stairs – every step counts!

10. Get Steps in All Day Long

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Sweat the small stuff and take every opportunity to make your steps count. Park further away, take the stairs, move with conviction. On an average day of errands and daily tasks, getting in over 10,000 steps can be pretty easy – it’s all about mindset. We tend to go for convenience, parking next to the door, using the elevator, these things make it harder and harder to lose weight. Use any moment you can to walk, then the exercise doesn’t seem so daunting.

11. Walk Around the City

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Walk the city When you walk the city streets, be it your own or on a trip, there is so much more to see and many of the things you see when walking you will never see from the car. Walking the city can positively change the experience. A new building is being built, a park just appeared, or history on display. This is a great way to take your weight loss program to another level. This is where walking blends into experience and miles feel like step away.

12. Challenge Yourself

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When it comes to weight loss, you want to challenge your body and heart at a consistent rate. Although you can accomplish this in one sitting, the benefits from breaking it up throughout the day far exceed. Creating moments to walk with purpose keeps the metabolism going, strengthens the heart, and provides an array of health benefits that will last a lifetime.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try walking for 5 minutes every hour. In 10 hours you will have walked a total of 50 minutes, which will add up to a huge chunk of your daily step goal.

Adita Yrizarry-Lang is a Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Author, and Speaker

Nutrition & Diet

7 Signs Ozempic Is Working Too Well

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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 28, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you on Ozempic but can’t seem to lose weight? It might be slowing down your metabolism, says an expert. Aliza Olive, MD, is a macronutrient expert and Cleveland Clinic doctor who dropped 20 pounds in 3 months on semaglutide. She is also the co-founder of MedFree Maintenance, helping others lose weight and achieve their body goals. In a new video, she discusses a very important thing to look out for. “Ozempic gals, red flags that your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism. 7 things you need to look out for. 3 is the worst,” she writes, revealing “GLP-1 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make!!”

If Your Metabolism Goes Down You Might Plateau

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“If your metabolism goes down, it’s going to cause stubborn plateaus and make it even harder to keep the weight off when you decrease or stop Semaglutide or tirzepazide,” she writes in her post. Wish you could stop GLP1 meds like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro but keep the results? Tapering off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide soon and fear becoming just another weight regain statistic?”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

If You Don’t Eat Enough It Can Cause Muscle Loss

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“If you don’t eat ENOUGH while On Ozempic, it can cause muscle loss, decreased calorie burn at rest, and decreased metabolism. Here are 7 Red Flags 🚩 that Your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism!” she adds.

7 Signs Ozempic Is Slowing Your Metabolism

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Here are the following red flags, per Aliza:

  1. If you are losing hair.
  2. If your energy low
  3. If you’re not hungry at all in the mornings.
  4. If you are more moody than normal
  5. If your sex drive is decreased
  6. If your sleep is off.
  7. If You feel like you are weak and losing strength.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Your Body Is Slowing Down

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“These are signals that tell you that your body isn’t thriving. When our metabolism slows down, we experience that with a decrease in movement. (You might not even notice it… thinks like less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc) Your body is actually slowing down on purpose so you use less calories each day,” she explains.

Here’s What to Do About It

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What should you do about it? “Make sure you are eating enough and not completely skipping meals while on Ozempic. It’s going to be hard to get enough protein if you aren’t having enough meals,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Here’s How Much You Should Eat

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“How much should you eat? That’s pretty individual. VERY Generally, I recommend using a TDEE calculator to calculate your maintenance calories. Then subtract about 500 calories. So if your maintenance is 1800 calories each day, aim for about 1300 calories,” she says.

Bottom Line: Don’t Undereat!

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“Going lower is not better! Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. 🤯Yes, I said it!! The goal, especially if you plan to wean off medication is to dull these so you can build habits and emotional outlets to be able to maintain!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Nutrition & Diet

8 Best Ways to Maximize Ozempic Results

Dr. Robert Cywes M.D. Ph.D. #CarbAddictionDoc
Copyright Dr. Robert Cywes/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 27, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Struggling to get the most out of your Ozempic prescription? Dr. Robert Cywes, known as the #CarbAddictionDoc to his 300,000 YouTube subscribers, specializes in treating obesity through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just medication. As a leading expert in weight management, he underlines that success requires the right strategy. Here are his essential tips to maximize your results.

Understand Your Medication's Role

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"Ozempic is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic solution," Dr. Cywes says in his post. "Think of it as a helper that makes it easier to implement the right habits." He explains that understanding how the medication works helps set realistic expectations and improves long-term success rates.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Focus on High-Quality Protein at Every Meal

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"Protein intake is crucial for preserving muscle mass during weight loss," explains Dr. Cywes. He recommends consuming at least 30 grams of protein at each main meal. "Without adequate protein, you risk losing muscle instead of fat. This is especially important when your appetite is reduced by Ozempic."

Track Everything You Eat and Drink

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Dr. Cywes emphasizes, "Keeping a detailed food diary is non-negotiable. Even with reduced appetite from Ozempic, you need to understand your eating patterns to succeed." He suggests using a digital tracking app and recording meals immediately to ensure accuracy. "The most successful patients are those who track consistently, not just on their 'good' days."

Stay Ahead of Side Effects

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"Proper hydration and proactive side effect management can make or break your success," Dr. Cywes states. He advises drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily. "Most side effects can be managed effectively if caught early. Don't wait until they become severe to address them."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Develop a Consistent Movement Routine

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"Physical activity becomes easier as the weight comes off," notes Dr. Cywes. "Start with daily walking and gradually increase your activity level. The goal isn't to exhaust yourself but to build sustainable habits." He recommends beginning with 10-minute walks and slowly increasing duration and intensity.

Address Emotional Eating Patterns

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"While Ozempic helps control physical hunger, emotional eating requires different tools," Dr. Cywes explains. "Many patients discover that their eating habits are more tied to emotions than hunger." He recommends working with mental health professionals to develop healthy coping strategies and identifying specific emotional triggers.

Build Your Support Network

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Dr. Cywes observes that "patients with strong support systems consistently achieve better outcomes." He suggests joining both online and in-person support groups: "Having people who understand your journey makes a significant difference. Your support network can provide accountability, encouragement, and practical tips."

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Monitor Multiple Progress Markers

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"Success isn't just about the number on the scale," says Dr. Cywes. "Focus on non-scale victories too." He recommends tracking multiple indicators: "Take monthly progress photos, measure body circumferences, monitor energy levels, and note improvements in daily activities. These measurements often show progress even when the scale doesn't move."

Create a Sustainable Meal Structure

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"Ozempic reduces hunger, but you still need a structured approach to eating," Dr. Cywes advises. "Plan your meals in advance and establish regular eating times. This structure helps prevent both undereating and impulsive food choices."

Prepare Strategies for Plateaus

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"Weight loss plateaus are normal and temporary," Dr. Cywes reassures. "The key is to have specific strategies ready before they happen." He suggests keeping a list of proven plateau-breaking techniques: "Adjust portion sizes, increase protein intake, vary your exercise routine, or review your food diary for hidden calories. The goal is to make small, sustainable changes rather than drastic ones."

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Plan for Long-Term Success

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"The most successful patients think beyond just the weight loss phase," Dr. Cywes emphasizes. "They develop habits and strategies that will serve them well after reaching their goal weight." He recommends creating a maintenance plan early in your journey: "Consider how you'll adjust your habits as your needs change, and always keep communication open with your healthcare team." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Fitness & Workouts

6 Back Pain Exercises That Work in 9 Minutes

Dr Jared Beckstrand Tone and Tighten
I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
Copyright Tone and Tighten/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 27, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

That nagging lower back pain has become your unwanted companion, making even simple tasks feel challenging. Whether it's from sitting too long at your desk or overdoing it at the gym, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just nine minutes away.

Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of the popular fitness platform Tone and Tighten, has developed a simple yet effective routine to help alleviate back pain. With his expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, Dr. Beckstrand has helped thousands find relief through these targeted exercises. Follow along with this nine-minute routine that you can do right at home.

Lumbar Rotation: Get Started with Gentle Twists

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Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. "Let both your knees fall to one side while keeping your shoulders firmly on the ground," says Dr. Beckstrand. Hold this position for 20 seconds on each side, repeating three times. As your muscles relax, you'll notice increased flexibility with each rotation.

Stretch: Target Deep Hip Muscles

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Next, address the piriformis muscle, which Dr. Beckstrand notes is tight in "nine out of 10 patients with low back pain." Cross one leg over the other and pull your bottom knee toward your chest. Hold for 20 seconds on each side, performing three sets. Remember, as Dr. Beckstrand emphasizes, "A gentler stretch held longer is more effective than an aggressive stretch held briefly."

Hamstring Stretch: Release Tension from Your Legs

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Your hamstrings connect to your pelvis, affecting your lower back's foundation. Lie on your back, grab behind one knee, and gradually straighten that leg toward the ceiling. "You should feel the stretch from behind your knee to your buttocks," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Hold for 20 seconds each side, repeating three times.

Pelvic Tilts: Restore Natural Movement

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Moving into strengthening exercises, perform pelvic tilts while lying on your back. Dr. Beckstrand instructs to "rotate your hips backward to press your lower back into the mat, then forward to create an arch." Maintain each position for three seconds, continuing for one minute. Note: Skip this exercise if you have severe disc problems or stenosis.

Glute Bridges: Strengthen Supporting Muscles

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"Your back muscles work in connection with your glutes," Dr. Beckstrand shares. Lying on your back with knees bent, squeeze your glutes to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Hold for three seconds before lowering. Focus on using your glutes rather than your hamstrings for maximum benefit.

Bird Dogs: Final Core Stabilization

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Complete the routine with bird dogs. On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg simultaneously. "This exercise creates excellent stabilization in your lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. Hold each position for two seconds before alternating sides.

Making It Part of Your Routine

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For optimal results, Dr. Beckstrand recommends performing the stretches (exercises 1-3) two to three times daily, while the strengthening movements (exercises 4-6) can be done once or twice per day. "It doesn't have to be long," he emphasizes, "it just has to be consistent."

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Tips for Success

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Always work within your comfort zone and never force a stretch to the point of pain. If you experience increased discomfort with any exercise, skip it and consult a healthcare professional. Remember, these exercises are meant to provide relief, not create additional strain.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

When to Expect Results

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While individual results vary, many people report feeling improvement after just one session. However, consistent practice over several weeks typically yields the best long-term results. As Dr. Beckstrand notes, "The lower back wants to feel better - presenting it with the opportunity through the right exercises really goes a long way in helping to alleviate pain and tension."

Give this routine a try today, and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable back. Remember to move mindfully and listen to your body throughout the exercises. With consistency and proper form, you're on your way to better back health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

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