This is the start of a new series called Work Out At Home by the Cereal Dieter. Did you know that housework burns calories? Does that make you want to do more housework? Ok, probably not but here are some tips to burn more calories while you do housework.

• Lunge while you wait.  Waiting for anything? Do lunges while you do. This might be: waiting for a pot to boil, for the microwave to beep, etc.
• Wax on, Wax Off! Exaggerated motions done while dusting can tone your arms. Consider wearing weights on your wrists while you clean and you can help tone!
• While you do the dishes, tighten your core for the count of five and release over and over. Suck that belly button towards your spine!
• Take the long way around to do everything.  Carry groceries in the house a bag at a time, for example.
• Squats while you do laundry.  While you’re moving items from the washer to the dryer or putting them away, a deep knee bend / squat while you reach into the basket can tighten your fanny and your thighs.
• Gardening burns calories. Do more of it!
• Shoveling burns calories. Get out there with your spouse!
• Washing something on your hands and knees? Do some girlie pushups!
• Vacuuming? Tighten everything with each stroke and turn it into a lunge

Tip:  Music makes it more fun and gets you movin’ and groovin’!

There are a lot of ways to increase your caloric burn on a daily basis. Consider wearing a pedometer to see how you’re doing and don’t forget to drink plenty of water every day to help facilitate your metabolism.

Play your cards right and you could be slimmer with a sparkling clean house!