Thinking Away the Pounds: A Study of 84 Housekeepers

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

21 Feb 2007 08:36 AM

According to a study conducted by Harvard University psychologist Ellen Langer and her student Alia Crum, perceiving you're getting enough exercise may help you to lose weight. The results of the study show that it is possible to think your way to a healthier body while you get those daily chores done. Eighty-four housekeepers from seven Boston hotels participated in Langer's study. The women were between the ages of 18-55 years old. They were divided into two groups. Women from four of the hotels were told they were getting adequate exercise by performing their daily work. The women in the remaining three hotels were not given this information. After four weeks, the women who were told that they were meeting the guidelines for a healthy, active lifestyle (placebo group) lost an average of 2 pounds and experienced a 10% drop in blood pressure. In addition, they improved their body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio. The placebo group's results were higher than the control group.

We know that housework can be considered moderate physical activity, but how often do we look at it as real exercise? How often do we perform lunges while pushing that vacuum or stretch to reach those cobwebs in high corners? Keep in mind, a housekeeper may clean approximately fifteen rooms a day. It could take 20 to 30 minutes to clean one room. That's serious cleaning. It involves a lot of repetitive movements and lifting.

Have you read Debbie Johnson's book, Think Yourself Thin? The author claims she lost 40 pounds (and kept it off) by using visualization techniques that she developed. She says that all of your senses need to be utilized to make this technique work. I wonder if this is why the housekeepers in Langer's study significantly improved their health. How conscious were they of their actions as they went about their day?

Blogs of interest: 20 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life The Benefits of Positive Thinking The Power of Positive Fitness Thinking Have you read these blogger's weight loss stories? Weight a minute! Tristi's Story Give Your Diet a Pick Me Up

Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

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Andrea Hermitt (5512) 21 Feb 2007 07:55 AM

I like this one... I have been thinking about doing some serious cleaning lately

Fatherofeight (2475) 21 Feb 2007 07:19 PM

You guys gave me a great idea, I will call it Paul's Gym and it will feature vacuum cleaner pushing, lifting laundry out of washer and putting in dryer, climbing stairs, etc. If it is a success, I will split the profits with you guys.

Seriously, I am trying a little thing that seems to be working, I am tightening my belt a little tighter than usual. It makes me feel full, even when I'm not.

Lashell Hoover (470) 22 Feb 2007 05:18 PM

Andrea, I just did some serious cleaning. I'm ashamed to admit it was long overdue:) Ed, I think you may have something with Paul's Gym. It could be a success...stranger things have happened.