Simple Ways to Be More Active
Want to exercise to manage your cholesterol but can't seem to fit it into your day? Here's good news: You don't have to follow a structured workout program - as long as you get enough physical activity in your daily routine. For example, one study found stair-climbing as little as 6 minutes a day can help lower your triglycerides. Other daily activities add up, too (like this healthy hobby).
Here's how many calories a 150-pound person burns in 30 minutes of doing these household chores:
| Moving furniture | 225 calories |
| Scrubbing floors | 189 calories |
| Raking leaves | 171 calories |
| Gardening | 169 calories |
| Mowing the lawn | 162 calories |
| Washing the car | 153 calories |
| Cleaning windows | 153 calories |
Try to rack up at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every day. And you don't have to do it all at once - splitting it up into three 10-minute bouts is just as good. (Related: Got a dog? Exercise is good for both of you. Here's how much activity Fido needs.)
(Next: Use your body as a gym . . .)
