How do I know if I’m getting moderate-intensity physical activity? Do housework, gardening, and yardwork count as moderate-intensity physical activity?

For intensity to be at least moderate, your heart rate and breathing rate should increase compared to at rest. It should be challenging to carry a conversation, and you shouldn’t be able to sing a song when you’re exercising at a moderate intensity.

Household activities can be moderate intensity if you stay focused. It’s not likely that you’ll be at a moderate intensity if you’re folding laundry, for example, but carrying laundry up and down stairs for a while may count towards your moderate to vigorous intensity recommendations.