Do you consider your housework to be a workout? In most cases, it should. Simple work (or not so simple) such as running the vacuum, washing windows, folding clothes, sweeping the floor and washing the dishes all burn calories.

In fact, instead of having a maid, try cleaning your own home for a month and see if you feel better due to the exercise. Or, if you already clean your own home, try vacuuming fast and washing toilets and sinks in a rapid motion. After a while, you'll see that housework really can be a workout. And, a darn good one at that.

Try these other tips on for size:

• Gardening -- Water plants with a watering can instead of a hose, and alternate carrying the can on each arm.
• Sweeping -- Clean not just your driveway, but offer to do your neighbors', as well as the sidewalks.
• Washing your car -- Use a bucket that you have to carry, not a hose.
• Cleaning and re-arranging -- Thoroughly clean out rooms in your home, carefully moving objects to clean every area.
• Walking or bike riding -- Leave the car home, if practical, to get to work or to run an errand.