10 surprising ways you’re working out every day
Find out how you’re burning calories without even stepping foot in the gym.
Jan, 2026
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Life is hectic, so it can be hard to sneak in a workout. Luckily, you’re burning calories just by doing regular activities like sweeping, gardening and washing dishes. “The average person burns about 1600 calories a day just by doing daily activities,” says Elizabeth Kevil, DPT a Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.
Here are 10 ways you’re working out during the day, the calories burned and how to spice up everyday activities, so you can burn even more. Each activity is based on a 150-pound woman doing the activity for an hour.
Written byOlivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.