Why merely vacuum when you can work in some squats? Athletics Director Katera Noviello offers a terrific idea that adds a fitness boost (and fun!) to everyday chores, for everyone in the family. The idea is that a family member is getting an active workout at all times. Katera says that we shouldn’t think just about one big workout during the day, emphasizing the importance and benefits of small bouts of activity. (It’s also a great way to get kids to straighten up their room!).

Here’s how to do it:

• Plan 30 minutes for the whole family to do chores.
• Grab a water bottle to use as a baton.
• Roll a die to determine an order for everyone’s fitness turn
• Set a timer for intervals of 5 minutes.
• Everyone works on their chore for the first 5 minutes.
• Person 1 claims the water bottle (to hold or keep nearby) and starts doing 5 minutes of a chosen activity from the list below.
• Everyone else keeps doing their chores.
• When the timer rings, Person 1 passes the bottle to Person 2 for their activity break and resumes their own chore.
• Continue doing chores and claiming fitness breaks until the 30 minutes is up (or extend for as long as you like!).

Activity ideas:

• Boxer Shuffle
• Jumping Rope (without a rope)—one heel kicks forwards at a time, alternating
• Walking Lunges
• Squats
• Push-Ups against the wall (or full on the floor)
• Walking Knee Raises (pull your knee up high and alternate, or high knee runs in place)
• Hop-Scotch in place
• Toe Touches (stretching is important too!)
• Sit-ups
• Side Shuffles
• Jump Shot (pretend you’re shooting a basketball)
• Hops (side to side, front to back)
• Running forwards and backwards