Daily activity for aerobic fitness

The purpose of aerobic conditioning is to increase the amount of oxygen delivered to your heart and muscles, which allows them to work longer. Any activities, including many kinds of daily activities, that raise your heart rate and keep it up for an extended period of time will improve your aerobic conditioning. If you do them regularly and long enough, they will help you become more fit.

The following ordinary activities all count as aerobic activity:

• Walking to work or to do errands
• Pushing a lawn mower
• Vacuuming
• Sweeping (perhaps to fast-paced music)
• Raking leaves or shoveling snow
• Dancing
• Playing actively with your children
• Walking the dog

Instead of dreading these chores or avoiding physical play, think of these activities as ways to move toward better health.