Brisk Daily Chores May Boost Heart Health

Simple, brisk everyday tasks—like cleaning, fast-paced walking, or carrying shopping bags—may offer significant heart health benefits, even for those who don't engage in regular exercise, according to a new study from the University of Sydney.

Published on Monday in the journal Circulation, the study tracked over 24,000 adults who reported not participating in structured workouts. Researchers used wearable activity trackers to monitor their movements over a week, focusing on the intensity and duration of daily physical activities.

The findings revealed that moderate to vigorous incidental physical activity—movements not part of planned exercise routines—was linked to a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death. In fact, just one minute of vigorous activity, such as rushing up stairs or power-cleaning, was found to deliver similar cardiovascular benefits to three to three-and-a-half minutes of moderate-intensity movement.

In contrast, light activities, such as slow walking or casual household chores, had little measurable impact on cardiovascular health.

Lead researchers said the study underscores the idea that even short bursts of effort woven into daily life can play a crucial role in protecting the heart. “For people who may not have time, access, or motivation for structured exercise, this offers a more approachable alternative,” the researchers noted.

The study highlights a growing body of evidence that moving more—and with more intensity—throughout the day is a powerful way to support long-term heart health.