In the last couple of weeks, we suggested ways to be more active at work and during your leisure hours at home. There's another easy way to improve your fitness - and it's related to your 'non-leisure' hours at home.

Chores - we all have to do them, whether we like it or not. But maybe you won't feel so resentful if you realize they're helping you achieve increased fitness goals as well.

• Active indoor chores - Doing regular chores like cleaning the house provides moderate intensity physical activity. Especially good are the ones in which you move your arms and legs such as window washing, scrubbing the tub, or reorganizing a closet.
  
  
• Active outdoor chores - Get off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors. There's always something that needs doing. Spruce up your garden or plant a new one. Mow the grass or wash your car - and then do the same for a friend or neighbor who isn't up to it.

So, kill two birds with one stone. Get some needed exercise while getting your chores done. You'll feel better in more ways than one!