If you think cleaning your home doesn’t count as exercise, think again! While it might not replace your usual workout, cleaning can still provide a fair amount of physical activity if you do it right and mix exercise moves into your chores. By turning household tasks into a mini workout routine, you can stay active and even get back into shape if you’ve been inactive for a while. The key is to focus on the intensity of your movements. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. **Play upbeat music**: Good music can really boost your mood and energy levels. It keeps you moving faster and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

2. **Engage your abs**: Try tightening your abs as you clean. At first, you’ll need to remind yourself, but eventually, it will become a habit. This helps improve your posture and can tone your midsection over time.

3. **Stretch often**: While dusting or reaching for high spots, make the most of these opportunities to stretch. It keeps you flexible and adds some extra movement to your routine.

4. **Use wide movements and work at a brisk pace**: The faster you move, the better the workout. Big, sweeping motions, like when washing windows or scrubbing the shower, can make quite a difference.

5. **Carry heavy items**: When you do laundry, carry those baskets from room to room. You could even wear a backpack filled with books to add some resistance as you clean. This strengthens your legs and works out other muscles you might not usually use.

6. **Get on your hands and knees to mop**: This position helps work your abs, especially if you lunge while you clean. The same goes for vacuuming—move around the room rather than staying in one spot. If you’re strong enough, lift one end of the couch while vacuuming underneath for an extra workout.

Remember, these tips won’t replace a structured workout plan, but they can help you stay active and maintain a general level of fitness. For those dream abs and a perfectly clean home, you’ll still need to exercise regularly and keep moving as much as possible.