You've resolved to shed some pounds this year. But almost two weeks into the New Year, the question is, how? Fortunately, strategic housework can burn calories, build muscle and be aerobic. So put on some music, grab a dustpan, and clean your way to a better you and a neater home.

1. Vacuuming and mopping

Calories burned: 60 minutes = 160 calories

Health benefits: Exercises the arms and upper body while raising your heart rate.

Weekly vacuuming can help extend the life of your carpets, while weekly mopping keeps your kitchen and bathroom floors clean and germ-free. Vacuuming and mopping every room in your house can take about an hour or longer depending on the size of your home.

Tip: When vacuuming, clean high traffic areas from two different directions in order to get a deeper clean—first vacuuming front to back and then side to side.

2. Moving furniture

Calories burned: 30 minutes = 223 calories

Health benefits: Provides a whole-body muscle workout as well as heart-healthy aerobic activity.

Moving furniture like couches, chairs and end tables in living areas can provide a good workout. Moving the furniture allows you the opportunity to vacuum and clean the entire room’s flooring. Combine moving furniture with 30 minutes of vacuuming, and you can burn about 300 calories total.

Tip: Rearrange living room/family room furniture two to three times a year. By rearranging the furniture, you can create different “traffic patterns” in the room and distribute the wear and tear on carpeting more evenly, reducing the walkway worn spots.

For more workout/cleaning tips, please go to www.Repair.com.