Tips for Exercising in Hot Weather

I am so in the mood for blogging today it's crazy.  As the seasons change and we quickly move into our warm weather season of SUMMER (my favorite time of year...maybe because I am a June baby) or maybe because I hate the cold weather, at any rate it came to mind today as I was exercising in my yard that one must take some precautions while exercising in hot weather.

Exercising outdoors is one of the perks of spring and summer weather but one must be smart about keeping safe.

One should avoid mid-day exercise (when the sun is at it's strongest and the temps outside at their warmest), working out in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler and less exposure to sun.

Drink plenty of water.  Our bodies can lose up to 2 quarts of water every hour during heavy exercise in warm/hot temps.  I drink watered down gatorade (3/4 water 1/4 gatorade) to ensure I am getting my sodium and potassium replenished during my workouts.

Know the signs of dehydration.  A key factor in heat exhaustion and heatstroke:  extreme thirst, dry warm skin; decreased urination; dry, sticky mouth; lightheadedness; muscle cramps or weakness and HEADACHE.

Wear SUNSCREEN with a sun protection factor of at least 15.  I have had skin cancer removed and it is not fun nor is it something I want to experience again...so slather it on.

Choose the right shoe for whatever workout you are doing.  If you are a runner then definitely wear running shoes, if you are choosing crosstraining then crosstrainer or aerobic type shoes.  Make sure the shoe is extremely comfortable also remember that over time as you put miles on your shoe you begin to lose support and the wear and tear may cause the sole to become uneven.  I work out 5 times a week so I have two pair of trainers (one for indoors and one for outdoors) I replace them every 6 months due to the number of miles I put on them.

Here is a really big tip, if you have been inactive over the winter start back slowly, ease into a fitness routine, spend extra time warming up and cooling down and stretching afterward.  All these things will help to prevent injury and major fatigue.

Go enjoy some fitness and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine!!!

Asparagus, mmm mmm good!

Asparagus are high in nutrients, low in calories adn very rich in flavor.  Asparagus is a great source of folic acid and beta carotene and vitamin C - antioxidant nutrients which helpt to fight cancer, heart disease and eye problems.  This vegetable works as a mild diuretic due to it's high potassium content.

Nutrients:  Vitamin B1, B3, B5, C, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selennium, zinc and fiber.

Don't become alarmed if your urine has a funny odor after eating asparagus this is absolutely harmless.

* just a quick tip, eat asparagus as soon as possible after purchasing because I find that they toughen quickly.  They are much more enjoyable while eaten tender.

Bootcamp

I wanted to tell you all a little bit more about the bootcamp that I attended for 3 years.  First and foremost it was the best thing I could have done for myself.  Not only did it get me into the best physical shape that I have ever been in but the motivation and energy that radiates from the instructor is purely addictive. Norwalk Adventure Bootcamp runs all year long, 5:30 a.m. at Fox Run School, 5:30 a.m. at Marvin School and 9:30 a.m. at Cranbury Park. The sessions are 4 to 5 weeks (3 days a week; Mon. Wed. and Fri.)  I took the 9:30 a.m. class as the 5:30 a.m. was making me too tired in the evening to do any socializing (and for those who know me well I am a social butterfly).

I would like to give a brief description of the circuit that takes place on a daily basis.  We arrive at the park, set up our mats and weights (which we bring to each class as well as alot of water to drink), great music is pumped out of an IPOD and we begin our warm up with some lite easy movements of our entire body, some squats, a few knee ups, arm rotations etc.  A minute of lite stretching and then we are ready to hear our trainer describe the days workout.   To begin the course we may run around the parking lot at Cranbury Park then do a series of "suicides" (sprinting from one cone to the next doing jump squats in between and then returning to the start)..after that we may go to the picnic benches to do our step ups with weights in hand onto the benches, after that a series of triceps dips, then out to the circuit to run sideways from cone to cone, then run backwards, maybe some jumping jacks thru 30 plastic circles or running sideways thru the circles or BOTH!  then out to the parking lot for some walking lunges with a 10lb weighted ball, some pushups at the curb and 150 rotations with a jump rope..then another lap around the parking lot and off we go again to start the circuit all over AGAIN!!!!  At the end of class we may have series of strength moves for our arms, shoulders, chest and back...then onto our ab work on our mats which may include some planks held for 1 1/2 minutes..to crunches, pilates based ab work, then onto our end stretching.  This workout (if done in full intensity) can burn up to 650 calories in 1 hour.

Between the cardio work and the strength work we use every single muscle in the body at every session.  The trainer (Laura) makes sure that every session is completely different as to trick the muscles into doing something new, this allows the body to build new muscle each time instead of having the muscles adapt to the work out.  Feel the burn!!!!

I had to give up bootcamp due to work, school and money (it is not cheap), so I joined Crunch Fitness around the corner from my home.  As much as I love working out Crunch fitness and doing my own routine by myself does not compare to the comraderie of the Bootcamp class and the instructor Laura who not only gives us motivation, energy and love but she always has a nutrition tip and/or recipe for something healthy and low-cal.  I had the opportunity to take a free class on Friday rejoining my group at 9:30 a.m. at Cranbury Park while the sun was shining...oh what joy!!!!  I felt like I was home again.  I never knew how much I could miss something until I return to it.  So starting June 13th I am back on track with Bootcamp but only for one session as the summer schedule of my life does not allow me to attend any other session and then in the fall school classes will also not allow me any sessions so Crunch gym and my own home gym will have to do for now.

If any of you are interested in finding out more about bootcamp check out the website at http://www.norwalkbootcamp.com/

Laura Boniello-Krout runs the Norwalk bootcamp her email address is listed on the website.

Well with that being said it is 8:18 a.m. and I am headed to my basement gym to get in a good work out before starting my day....Happy Memorial Day weekend to my followers and readers!!! Wishing you health and much happiness!!!!!

Jumping Rope at any age!

This week I want to talk a bit more about cardiorespiratory exercises.  Getting your heart rate up and moving that body.  Cardio is what helps strengthen our heart muscle, it burns calories, and helps build up our aerobic capacity (meaning more useful oxygen in muscular system).  You build great endurance thru cardio and will increase your energy levels.

Jumping rope is fun and very inexpensive.  The jump rope I am using cost about $6.00 at Sports Authority.  You can jump rope all year round (with no excuses).  So, you may not enjoy jumping rope, well neither did I. After attending Boot Camp for almost 3 years I learned to like it.  I was awful at it, kept missing my step, rope got tangled on my ankles, I was jumping one foot at a time and getting discourage.  After practice at bootcamp and at home I now enjoy it and must admit am quite good at it.  Listen to a favorite upbeat tune and get into a groove and jump away.(as long as you have no hip,knee, ankle or foot injury it is safe)  It is also great impact exercise in helping maintain your bone's health.

You can either count jumps or go by minutes whatever works best for you and mixing it into a cardio circuit is great fun. Jumping rope is considered high intensity cardio so make sure you are physically ready for a high intensity workout.

other good cardio exercises:  Jumping jacks, running, jogging, fast walking, cycling, rowing, stairclimbing, soccer, tennis, etc. fast moving impact exercise.

The Eggplant (one of my favorite veggies)

The eggplant is a versatile vegetable which not only protects the brain from aging but also may help to keep infections at bay.

The eggplant is well-known as the main ingredient in the Greek dish moussaka, as well as many Italian and Asian dishes.  Eggplants contain many beneficial substances including nasunin, an anthocyanin found to protect fats in brain cells from free-radical damage, which may help to slow down the aging process of this very vital organ.  Another important healing compound found in eggplant is chlorogenic acid, whose potent antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties are thought to aid the body in resisting infections.

Nutrients of eggplant:  vitamins B3, C, K, biotin, folate, beta-carotene, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and fiber.

One of my favorite dishes that I prepare more often in summer (due to access to fresh eggplant and tomatoes from dad's garden) is an eggplant, tomato stack.  What I do is grill or oven roast slices of eggplant brushed with olive oil, once cooked I spread a lite layer of pesto sauce onto the eggplant then layer a piece of fresh mozzarella and top it with a slice of fresh tomato.  drizzle some olive oil (and balsamic vinegar if you please), salt/pepper and a bit of fresh basil....ooooh and enjoy!!!!

If you are not already a fan of eggplant give it a try you may have found a new favorite veggie! 

From the heart!

I have been posting factual information about nutrition and exercise but now I want to get real personal and tell you something about my own life and philosophy regarding wellness, health and fitness.

I must admit I have always loved being physically active from when I was a child.  I loved playing for hours outdoors whether riding my bike, playing kickball,soccer, softball, badminton, tag, or just racing around my neighborhood with all the neighborhood kids.  Even in the winter months when there was always snow on the ground we spent hours on end sledding (going up and down the hills at Flaxhill Park) or just building snowmen, forts, having snowballs fights etc.  Always on the move.  This has followed me thru to adulthood and those who know me know I love any activities that include movement and a challenge physically.  I have tried kickboxing, aerobics, zumba, rowing, jazzercise, bootcamp,dancing, weightraining, running, hiking, walking, yoga, pilates, cycling...I may have left something out but you get the point. 

I took a real interest in my body and what I would need to do to keep it healthy inside and out.  I have met many people in the industry who have given me a wealth of information and insight about all aspects of health.  I know what works for me but what works for me may not work for the other guy.  I know that when I eat healthy foods throughout the day I have more energy, my digestive system works better I have a very peaceful night sleep as well.  I learned to grocery shop differently and really appreciate the flavors of a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish,lean meats and good grainy breads, also trying all new whole grains and playing around with ingredients.  So between eating healthy and being physically active each day I have managed to maintain a healthy weight, keep my heart healthy, normal blood pressure, normal heart rate and great cholesterol levels.  But I must admit that I do not deprive myself of things that I enjoy like sweets....i have a real sweet tooth so when I am out at a great restaurant I will definitely try a dessert or when at my family parties (and everyone in my family cook well) I try everything, but I do it all in moderation.  I take a try of everything not a huge helping.  Knowing what serving sizes are helps as well.  In a future blog I will talk about serving sizes and what they mean.

Don't beat yourselves up over missing a day or two of exercise (our bodies do need a break occasionally) or over indulging in a great treat....your state of mind is just as important to your health as eating right and exercising.  Exercise definitely boosts my serotonin levels big time.  I am a middle aged woman (and for those of you who knows what happens during middle age years and female hormones well watch out people).  Exercising pretty much daily keeps a smile on my face and makes me feel strong and great about myself.  Adding activities, people, things etc. into your life that help boost your serotonin levels is just as important.

I can go on forever as you can tell.  I don't want to bore you anymore so in a nutshell....Begin enjoying healthier foods, pick a physical activity that you enjoy and put it into your life on a daily basis if you can (even sex burns calories...like one friend says,"sexercise is how I stay in shape"), get plenty of peaceful sleep all these things in combination should improve how you feel. 

Remember shop on the perimeter of a grocery store that is where the whole foods are kept, when you are putting calories into your body you also need to burn them so get daily exercise in one form or another, fill your life with people you love and activities that give you pleasure and enjoy life while you can!!!!!!

Thanks for listening.

Lisa

Carbs, Body's Best Fuel Source

Recently carbs have been getting a bad rap, once consumed they turn into sugar that slows you down and fattens you up, and leads to diabetes and other diseases. Yes, I am talking about refined white bread, white rice, chips and crackers that have been bleached, ground and stripped of nutrients. These are the ones to avoid.  But carbs are our best fuel.  We should be consuming mostly whole grains like whole-wheat pasta, whole rye bread, quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, barley etc. which undergo minimal processing and retain almost all of their nutrients.

The key is making sure a full sixth of your daily intake comes from whole grains, which amounts to approximately a bowl of oatmeal and a wholewheat sandwich.  Don't forget that fruits and vegetables are also great sources of carbs and also include fiber.

Don't forget carbs are the body's best fuel source, crucial to brain, muscle and digestive health and key to lowering the risk of heart disease.

Todays pick for exercise is The single leg hip raise (or bridge)

The glutes and hamstrings are our major muscles required for standing, walking, running etc.  Unfortunately, these days most of our jobs require us to sit for extended periods of time in front of computers or we sit in front of that new high def TV.  The impact on our hips is tremendous, they become weak and begin to forget how to contract.  This is very true for our glutes (our butts), which is ashame because our glutes are our largest and strongest muscle group.  With weak glutes and hamstrings (  the muscles that run up the back of our legs) our entire muscular balance is thrown off.  This can cause pain to knees, hips and lower back.  So working your glutes and hamstrings should be of high priority.

Here is a simple exercise to do in the gym or very easily at home.  As you can see in the photo I was in a park using a bench (and truthfully you don't even have to use a bench the floor will do).

You lay down on the ground or floor put both legs onto the bench and have knees bent at 90 degree angle, lift one leg straight into the air while leaving the heal of the other foot grounded on the bench or on the ground.  Using the grounded foot you lift your body up keeping shoulders level on the ground and back straight (as not to cause stress on lower back) pause for a second or two and then lower back down to starting position.  Doing two sets of 10 - 12 for each side during your work out will help to increase the muscle and strength in your hamstrings and glutes. if you are a beginner exerciser I would do two sets of 8.  As an added bonus while you are doing this move you are also working your ab muscles and lower back which in turn strengthens that good old CORE area we talked about last week.

Enjoy and have fun with your workouts!!

Relative to Garlic....The LEEK

Today's healthy food is the good old leek.  For low cholesterol and super healthy heart, leeks should be included in the diet on a regular basis.


Leeks are related to garlic and onions and contain many of the same health-promoting compounds as these veggies.  According to research, they lower LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol), and bring down high blood pressure which makes them a wonderful food for the heart and vascular system.  Their combination of vitamins and minerals helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Nutrients:  vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and fiber.

I personally love a good potato/leek soup especially in the fall and winter, so go ahead start incorporating leeks into your meal plans.

CELERY...a very impressive vegetable

I could not wait to write about celery in my blog.  This vegetable amazed me and has excited me.  I bet most of you would not give this veggie a second thought other than it tasting good and crunchy in salads and a great addition to soups.  Well wait until you read about all the outstanding qualities of this vegetable.

Celery contains many amazing therapeutic compounds.  Just three celery stalks make up one of the five recommended daily portions of fruits and vegetables.

Vital minerals can be lost thru exercise and sweating during summer and fever.  Celery juice, with its high concentration of water, potassium and natural sodium can help replace the electrolytes and rehydrate the body.  You may think celery juice has too strong a flavor just mix it with your favorite juice or another veggie juice.

Celery has a rich mineral content and helps to normalize the body's acid-alkaline balance.  Stress can cause an acidic state in our bodies, celery seems to counteract this and improve our ph balance.

Celery is a natural diuretic and has been found to lower high blood pressure.  Compounds in celery called pthalides help to relax the muscles around the arteries, allowing blood vessels to dilate.  This in turn helps the blood flow easier reducing the pressure on arterial walls.  In other words helping lower blood pressure.  Celery also contains the compound coumarin which enhances our immune system.

Celery's nutrients:  B3, B5, C, E, K, biotin, folate, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc and fiber.

So as you see celery has many important jobs and functions in helping keep us healthy.  I decided to eat a few stalks everyday as an afternoon snack....it tastes great with peanut butter on it or cream cheese.

Snacks under 80 calories (heatlhy vs. unhealthy)

Just to help you get a perspective on the calorie count on certain unhealthy snacks vs healthy snack items. I for one, am guilty of indulging occasionally on the unhealthy version due to cravings or pure laziness.  I however, try not to keep unhealthy items in my home which helps considerably.  So here goes:
1 cup popcorn(62 cals), 4 small chocolate covered pretzels (68 cals), 3 swedish fish (64 cals), 16 M&M's (77 cals), 18 Good & Plenty (76 cals), 2 twizzlers (67 cals)

Now for the healthy snack.  These are packed with nutrients and fiber and will also fill you up more.
1 apple(72 cals), 4 fresh apricots (67 cals), 1 cup blueberries (80 cals), 1/2 cup grapefruit (48 cals), 1 tomato (22 cals), 1 cup grapes (62 cals), 1 boiled egg (78 cals), 1 orange (62 cals), 1 peach (38 cals), 2 stalks celery (11 cals), 1/2 cup carrots (25 cals).

So when you are hungry and are in need of a snack let this be your guide to choosing something healthy, nutritious.

Our Core

We here in the U.S. spend alot of $$$ on our abs, between liposuction, tummy tucks, bi-pass surgeries, fad diets to reduce the tummy bulge etc. etc.  Do we really want a 6-pack?  Or,should we decrease the visceral fat (around ab area and organs) to create a healthy you? Decreasing the amount of fat and strengthening the abs and entire core area will make you function with ease.  You will have more energy and will be stronger and more capable of physical challenges.   The abdominal muscles are part of a group called the core.  The core also includes lower back and hips.  The core is involved in pretty much every movement we make.  If it weren't for our core muscles we would not be able to stand or sit upright.

The Plank

Here is a great easy exercise to help strengthen and stabilize the core muscles.  Start to get into a push up position but bend your elbows and rest weight onto your forearms.  Make sure your body forms a straight line starting at shoulders down to ankles. Stabilize your core by contracting your abs and try to hold for 30 seconds (if you can't hold for 30 try for 10 seconds, rest for 5, then do another 10 seconds)  Each time you try this hold attempt to increase your time by 5 to 10 seconds....

Fennel (antioxidant powerhouse)

Hello, hope all the mom's out there had a great Mother's Day yesterday i know I sure did.  Today's veggie is fennel.  Some of you may not have ever even tried fennel but this is a staple with our Italian family.  We eat it like celery on holidays and I use it often in salads.

Fennel is a pale green bulb packed with disease preventing antioxidants and can be eaten raw and/or cooked.  Fennel is packed with vitamins B3, B5, C, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate; calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc; and fiber.

Fennel is a natural diuretic and promotes health in the liver, kidneys and spleen.  It contains phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants.  Rutin is one of those phytochemicals which helps strengthen blood capillaries, therefore improving circulation.

Fennel has a flavor similar to licorice (it can be an acquired taste for some) but can really perk up a nice salad.  While were on the subjects of salads I recently had a nice arugula salad which had shaved pieces of fennel and shaved parmesan cheese...what a treat!

Red Bell Pepper

The red bell pepper packs a huge amount of nutrients.  This vegetable is a great all round immunity booster.  Red bell peppers have a high water content to help flush out toxins from the body.  Also this veggie is packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C to help ward off colds.

Rich in vitamins B3, B6, C, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and fiber.

Peppers taste great raw in any kinds of salad or by itself.  You can also use them cooked in sauces, or as one veggie with your meal.

Also note like tomatoes, red peppers are one of the few foods packed with lycopene which is an antioxidant.

Side Plank

First, the model in this photo is Kimberly my eldest daugther.  Over a year ago I had a class project to do for my Intro To Fitness class and she was my model.  (BTW I did receive an A on the project)  Kim is in a side plank position on her elbow.  This position can also be done all the way raised on up on your hand.  This is great for core stabilization.  Works the abs and back and pretty much all muscles in order to stay in that static position.  For an added bonus you can rotate your torso and bring that hand raised in the air into the space between the floor and you, then go back to starting postion.  Make sure you do both sides.  It is a good strong move with requires great stabilization.  Give it a try!

Hydration/Water

Water is an essential nutrient necessary for life.  Water accounts for approximately 60% to 70% of our total body weight (I was amazed when I learned that for the first time).  Recommendations for daily water consumption for "healthy adults" is 91 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men.  It is recommended that you consume around 16-20 ounces 2 hours prior to exercise to hydrate yourself.  During your exercise/activity consume a few ounces every 20 minutes.  You will know what consumption amount feels right to you, no two people are alike so a certain amount may be okay for one but  not for another.

After exercise you will definitely have to replace the lost fluids.  Approximately 16-20 fluid ounces for each pound of body weight lost.

Don't go crazy trying to measure and weigh yourself to see exactly the right amount.  Just keep yourself sufficiently hydrated all day long.  Your body functions properly with the right hydration.  And on a side note "alcohol" is not considered a hydrating fluid.

With that I wish you all a Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Remember you can enjoy yourself (everything in moderation).  If you over-do it tonight you can always fall back into a healthy pattern again tomorrow!

Today's Food - The Tomato

Good Morning All!  Today's food topic is the tomato.  The tomato's nutritional factors are vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, E, K, beta carotene, biotin, folate, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and fiber. Wow...that little fruit packs a great punch.

The most exceptional feature of the tomato is it's high concentration of lycopene (this is what produces it's lovely red color).  A high intake of lycopene in the diet has been associated with reduced risk of several cancers.  Tomatoes are rich in potassium which regulate fluid balance in a person's body.

Fact: Cooking tomatoes increases their lycopene availability...so enjoy some great pasta sauce or tomato soup!

Want To Spice Up Your Regular Cardio Routine?

If you are bored with your routine...maybe you do the same walk or run everyday.  Maybe you head to the gym and use the same piece of equipment and then resistance machines.  Why not try something new..go ahead make a change and you will see a difference in how your body responds.

Here are some fun new ideas;

1.  Kettlebells (heavy spheres fitted with handles).  These can be used in high-intensity workouts that will boost your cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness.  (but ask a trainer for proper technique or join a kettlebell class)
2.  Core Training (strengthening your abs and back muscles).  Good core strength makes it easier to do just about anything.  Pilates, Bodyweb with TRX and more.
3.  Boot Camp (this is one of my favorite as some of you already know).  I spent 2 1/2 years doing the Adventure Boot Camp in Norwalk.  If you want high intensity, full body workout burning 600-700 calories an hour then this is for you.
4.  Spin Classes whether you like upbeat music or pedalling without worrying about road conditions or the weather this is a very popular exercise class today.
5.  Stability training (using wobble boards, BOSU Balls, foam rollers etc.) these classes help to improve your balance and stability.  Especially as we age stability become very important to prevent falls.
6.  Sport specific training whether you are getting ready for a marathon, triathlon, bike event or Iron Man, setting a goal and training for a specific event is exciting and very rewarding.

Just have fun and enjoy whatever type of fitness you choose...but remember changing it up a bit helps to surprise your muscles into working hard again.  In a future blog I will talk about muscle adaptation.

Cheers!

Top 100 Healing Foods

Each time I blog I will tell you about one of the top 100 healing foods.  Today's food is the cucumber. The cucumber is packed with vitamins B3,B5,C, K, betacarotene, biotin, folate, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silica and zinc.  This vegetable contains a high water content which gives it a great hydrating effect.  Use in salads, on sandwiches, by itself or whatever way you like to eat it. 

A favorite site for health information

I just wanted to share this website with you as they publish a monthly newletter called Embody Health.  They include various topics each month and some great health tips and guidance.  Have fun viewing this website.

My first day!

So here I go about to begin giving you all a wealth of information that is running circles in my head.  I was supposed to have a photo shoot done today of cardio, strength and stretching exercised to post each week to this blog but the weather is RAIN so I had to postpone my photoshoot with my dear friend and professional photographer Mike Franzman.

Let's start off with some basic information for those of you who may not belong to a gym or feel like there is no time in your life for yourself and fitness.  You don't have to put aside a full 40-60 minutes all at once to get your exercise in each day you can break it up with a 10 minute fast paced walk before breakfast, and another one at lunch time or if you work in the city and have to walk blocks to get to your office wear those sneakers and pick up the pace.  If you always choose to park close to your office entrance or close to the entrance of a store why not start parking as far away as possible and doing a nice fast walk to get to your destination and begin choosing to use the stairs and leave the elevator free for those with strollers or for the elderly or handicapped.  There are many ways to get exercise into your daily routine without you even knowing it.  How about when folding laundry you squat to pick up the laundry and rise up to standing position and onto your toes (while folding) you can be working your entire body by just folding laundry.

Activities in your life (such as housechores, yardwork, grocery shopping etc.) all help burn calories but exercise is something planned that will force you to work your heart and all your muslces which will bring about better health and a much better capacity for living.