I got asked this question the other day, and at first I thought it was funny, until I realized how creative it can be…
“Does shopping count as exercise? I hate the thought of going to the gym, so if I can find any way around that to keep active, then I will!”
So I thought I’d answer it here:
Now we’re into December and getting close to Christmas…
There’s something that we do around this time of year that that counts as good healthy habit.
It can help keep you active and burn calories! And guess what it is??
…It’s SHOPPING!
Christmas shopping – THE busiest shopping time of the year.
Now Christmas shopping can do one of two things – cause you frustration and stress, OR bring you delight and enjoyment.
But let me ask you this – have you ever considered that shopping might be a legitimate addition to your weekly exercise routine?
I’m serious – hours of walking around malls and stores can quickly add up to huge amount of steps, and you can burn up to 200 calories doing so!
To put that into context, if you see someone out jogging, they’ll have to run at the same pace for up to 30 minutes to burn the same amount of calories.
And even though they’re keeping active for a shorter amount of time, for those of you who don’t enjoy jogging or part of class -- shopping, especially at this time of year is a great alternative to keeping active.
Of course I’m not saying shopping alone should replace your regular exercise regime, but it’s good to know that an everyday activity like this counts towards your daily exercise goals.
Not to mention, the next time someone says you shop too much, you can use this as the perfect excuse!
Now I know sometimes it’s difficult, there’s always so many people around, and it seems like it would be a much better idea to order everything online.
But try to resist the urge to buy it all online.
You don’t get the opportunity to do something new, such as exercise, by ordering it all online – not to mention keeping active during winter is always a great way to stick to your health goals.
If you’re wondering about other daily activities that can count as exercise that I mentioned, here are some ideas for you:
- Cleaning the house
- Washing your car (although maybe not a great idea in winter!)
- Walking the dog
- Playing with the kids or grandkids
There are plenty of options, but doing your Christmas shopping is a win-win! You get all the Christmas presents bought, and you are exercising and burning calories.
So my take away for you today is this: while traditional exercises like running and finding a fitness class you enjoy are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle – everyday activities can be an additional way to get you moving.
Trupti graduated with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from UNC- Chapel Hill in 2001. She has furthered her studies with numerous post-graduate courses focusing on the Neck, shoulder, knee, and back, with a strong emphasis in manual therapy. Recently completed courses in Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars (Levels 1- 5), has afforded her an excellent way to relieve pain and help people get moving, active and healthy quickly and effectively.
With 20+ years of experience in Physical Therapy, Trupti has practiced in various orthopedic and sports focused clinical settings, in both the Raleigh-Durham, NC and DC regions. She has been Director of multiple Physical therapy Clinics in DC and also worked with some renowned specialists at Georgetown University Hospital in DC. During her years of service, Trupti has had the privilege of caring for a wide variety of clients: from school-aged children to retirees; from homemakers to business professionals; from weekend warriors to professional athletes.
Trupti is an avid fan of the outdoors, art, traveling and of course the Tar Heels. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephew.
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