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Young House Love » Random » Not Bad.

| By Sherry Petersik | February 4, 2011 | 177 Comments

Not Bad.

I just read in an old Health magazine (thanks to the waiting room at the dentist) that “rolling on a new coat of paint burns 204 calories an hour.”

Nursery Paint Blue Painted

This may explain why my hubby (the designated roller – I’m usually the trim painter/cutter-inner) is tall and skinny even though he eats ice cream nearly every night while I sip tea. Because by Health magazine’s math, a 3-4 hour paint job can burn 600-800 calories for him. That’s a lot, right? I’ve never been a gym goer, but I have distinct memories of clinging to the treadmill on the highest incline at a pretty brisk pace and hoping desperately to get to 250 calories before hitting the showers (or the jacuzzi – I’m just not cut out for those machines). My experiences in the gym were few and far between – I went a few times when a friend who had a gym membership in college would take me with her for “fun”) so I’m admittedly not a calorie/workout expert. And I’m sure cutting in is somehow a bit less of a full body workout than rolling (although when I’m up on my step ladder to paint the top of the room, my calves are always sore the next day). I know painting is hardly a Biggest Loser worthy workout. But I’ll take it.

And speaking of painting, I’m doing it. I’ve started a project that can only be described as long. So it might be a few days before I have afters for ya. In the interest of not teasing you guys, I’ll just spill what it is. It’s the beams in the living room (see a brief mention of our plans for them here). I’m trying a few things (a graywashed look, a stain-ish look, a more opaque/matte look) and we’ll see what we like and take it from there. Actually I’ll probably take it from there while John Clara-sits and blog-sits. So that’s what’s on the agenda on this fine Friday morning (and afternoon, and evening, and all of Saturday, and all of Sunday).I’ll probably be so skinny by the end of this that you won’t even recognize me. Har har. Anyway here are some preliminary pics for ya. I’ll explain more soon, you know, when I get a bit further along in the process:

Beams Project

Beams Project 1

Beams Project2

But since I’m probably not burning that many calories with the ol’ paint brush, what about my other favorite job: demo. I wonder how may cals a good session with a sledgehammer or crowbar burns (obviously not done in flip flops- there was a shoe switcheroo before I helped demolished this medallian in our old backyard a few years back)?

Dscn4765

I’m thinking it’s a lot more than painting. Now that would be a gym class I would totally take every week: Sledghammer Aerobics. Who’s in?

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Filed Under: Random

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Comments

  1. Avatar for ALittleBiteALittleBite says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:45 am

    I like the “sample” you’ve shown! Not too dark and you can see the wood grain. Love it!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for DawnDawn says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:48 am

    I am so glad that I burn that many calories because now when my husband ask why it is taking me so long to finish a room, I can say I am stretching it out so that I can get as many daily workouts as possible.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for RLBRLB says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Good luck with the ceiling rafters. That looks like a long and tedious job. Remember to stretch your neck while doing it.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Mallory @ R. Simple LifeMallory @ R. Simple Life says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:50 am

    I love learning little tidbits like this. Did you know jumping rope burns more calories than running/walking? In case some friend drags you to the gym for “fun” again, you’ll have that one up your sleeve.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for mypatsyannmypatsyann says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:53 am

    lol, Dawn…
    I think I will steal your great thought there and justify my loooooooong projects that way to my husband, as well.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Jenny @ Art, Wine and DesignJenny @ Art, Wine and Design says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:53 am

    I HATE painting wood – it soaks up so much paint. Not to mention you will be painting over your head. I’ll be thinking about ya, girl! And I can’t wait to see the results.

    Sign me up for sledgehammer aerobics! That sounds right up my ally.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for BrandyBrandy says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:54 am

    I do ALL the painting in my 2450sf ranch and am still tubby (3 kids within the last 6 years don’t help, youngest is 7 months)
    Think I need to break out the sweat bands and bust some jumpin jacks while I am at it!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for karen @ our slo housekaren @ our slo house says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:54 am

    I can’t wait to see what the beams (beems?) look like.

    Any sort of ceiling-painting is a sucky job, so I hope it is over as quick as can be. And I hope that in addition to Clara-sitting and blog-sitting, John massages your neck frequently. (Are you reading this John? Regular neck massages every hour…Valentine’s Day is coming!)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:13 am

      Agreed!!! Here’s hoping…

      xo,
      s

  9. Avatar for DD says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:57 am

    Sledgehammer in flip flops?! Makes me scared for your toes!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for SanjaSanja says

    February 4, 2011 at 9:58 am

    Good luck with the painting, and take care to not overdo it :) Have a nice weekend!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Meghan, UKMeghan, UK says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Rather amusingly, the advert displayed beneath this post when I clicked on is ’50 extreme workouts’ with pictures of before- and after-guts! I’m not sure you guys quite need that…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Hahaha, gotta love randomly rotating google ads!

      xo,
      s

  12. Avatar for Bethany @ RTHBethany @ RTH says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Painting is a work out. My arms always start to burn. Have a great weekend painting the beams…be careful and don’t fall while cheering for your Super Bowl pick.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for AbbyAbby says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:03 am

    looking forward to burning some calories as I paint our bathroom this weekend!! We gutted it to the studs starting New Years Day so this has been a long time coming.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:05 am

    All that running and testosterone helps counteract the ice cream as well!

    I definitely consider house cleaning and re-doing a workout…as is yardwork…and it is much preferable to step aerobics or spinning! Think about our pioneer ancestors…they worked their muscles the old fashioned way and for practical reasons. I’d rather lift bags of mulch than free weights. LOL

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Jennifer @ Milk & Honey MommyJennifer @ Milk & Honey Mommy says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Sherry,

    Sledgehammer Aerobics totally reminds me of that game where you hit/beat the alligator on its head when he pops out of the hole. Some days when it’s kind of rough, I need a legitimate reason to go around just pounding things. I’m in. Let me know when class starts.

    I really did like the wood beams, but I know you guys have good taste when it comes to design (duh), so go ahead and paint away. You have my permission.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for ErikaErika says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Have you ever dug up really old bushes? Now that is a work out!! I should be super skinny if painting burns that many calories, since I’m totally addicted to painting!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Totally agree! Bushes are hardcore!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

      February 4, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      I had to dig up these beautiful purple flowering shrubs this past summer. The were pretty, smelly and attracted a ridiculous amount of yellow jackets. They were also located right outside the front door. Obviously, they had to go, but it took me hours to get it all out and I was wiped out at the end of the day. Those things were tough and the neighborhood is new so they were only 2 years old too. It was definitely a workout.

  17. Avatar for MelodyMelody says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:09 am

    It’s going to make such a difference in the room! Can’t wait to see the afters…no pressure, of course.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for CarrieCarrie says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:10 am

    I would be all over Sledgehammer Aerobics. I had a blast demolishing my bathroom!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for AllisonAllison says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Good luck and you can do it! We can’t wait to see the afters.

    Also: should be college instead of collage in the 2nd paragraph.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:14 am

      Haha, pardon my artsy mistake. All fixed!

      xo,
      s

  20. Avatar for Jessi EJessi E says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:12 am

    My step-dad works in contstruction, and in high school Iused to beg him to get me a summer job with his company. I was convinced I would be in the best shape of anyone by the time I went back to school.

    He simply told me, “You couldn’t hang.” I am sure he was correct.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Susan @ Retro RestylingSusan @ Retro Restyling says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:16 am

    I’d take Sledgehammer Aerobics over Pole Dancing classes any day. ;)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for KristenKristen says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Good luck with your weekend o’ painting! I can’t wait to see how the rooms turns out!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:25 am

    Can’t wait to see which way you go with the beam color. I hate ceiling pain work, so good luck and take lots of breaks because your neck is going to be killing you if you don’t. Those beams are going to look goregous no matter what way you go.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Angie @ The Country Chic CottageAngie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Can’t wait for the after! And that will be a chore!! Hugs to you for looking up that long…are you sure John does not want to help??? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:54 am

      Seriously, right? The man shies away from “detail work” since he’s not as good at staying in he lines. Seriously, he’s all over the place.

      xo,
      s

  25. Avatar for mike @ the lil house that couldmike @ the lil house that could says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:28 am

    i hate painting with a passion but I never thought of it as a calorie-burning event. might make painting the bedroom a bit easier now :P

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Sarah KSarah K says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Sign me up for sledgehammer aerobics. That sounds awesome!

    Can’t wait to see the beams. I just know they’ll look FAB!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Cindy @ The Flipping CoupleCindy @ The Flipping Couple says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Ha! Love it. I’d totally be up for a sledgehammer aerobics class. Lifting 5 foot scaffolding pieces above your head should totally be part of it. That was part of my summer “workout.” : )

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Kelsey DKelsey D says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I can’t wait to see the finished beams! I am loving everything you are doing so far in the new house! And yes I’m also lusting after Karl! :)

    Its too funny that you said that about the sledge hammer workout becuase I just finished this crazy bootcamp where we did just that! We beat the poo out of a tractor tire and car tire (alternating back and forth) for a minute with a sledge hammer. We also did things like flip tractor tires and push the instructors Hummer through town..crazy yes, but it was really a bunch of women having a blast! In other words I think you may have a second career on your hands-maybe a DIY bootcamp? That may speed up your painting process! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:53 am

      Haha, I can see the commercial now. “Come on down to Richmond for DIY bootcamp with John and Sherry.” I love it!

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I’m so excited to see how it all turns out!!!Try not to get a crick in your neck from all that beam attention!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Mike @HAMike @HA says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:30 am

    I’m in! Though I’ve noticed that a lot of house work makes me tired/sore without really burning many calories. I’m the trimmer, maybe I need to change to the roller to drop a few pounds.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for KarenCKarenC says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Hey Sherry… what kind of prep work do you have to do to those beams before you paint or stain them?

    I’m just wondering how you’re going to get the gray to work without the original color showing thru. Unless that’s what you’re going for.

    I’ve never stained anything before and I have a dresser I want to re-finish. I’m hoping I don’t have to sand or strip it down to bare wood. *sigh

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:52 am

      We’ll share all those details in a follow up post once we’re sure what method we’ll use (and that it turns out ok!).

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for Anna RowlandAnna Rowland says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Im down for some sledgehammer aerobics. I always talk myself out of going to the gym because I find an excuse of a home project to do. Theres always something to be done!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Emily BrownEmily Brown says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Ha! I just painted for 9 days straight….I should be teeny tiny by now!!!! :)~

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Sherry F.Sherry F. says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I would be totally in for sledgehammer aerobics. I love hitting things.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for My Shucking LifeMy Shucking Life says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Love this project and can’t wait to see the results. I’ll let you be my guinea pig. We have one single rafter beam that sort of separates our livning room from well, our living room. It’s one big open space that I think was originally intended for a dining/living combo. Anyway, right now, the ceiling and the beam is all white. I think adding some color to the beam might add a little something…still contemplating :)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for AmberAmber says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:42 am

    I feel ya about the painting beams… We took on dark ceiling beams last summer. Ours were quite rough—they had been stained super-dark and were not sanded at all. So, after a lot of foam to fill in cracks and 4 coats of primer, it still took 5 or 6 coats of white paint to get them to match the ceiling.

    The good news? IT WAS SOOOOO WORTH IT. The whole room looks so much brighter and more inviting. Good luck! Your triceps will be burnin’, I can speak from experience. :)

    Reply
  37. Avatar for bethbeth says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:42 am

    painting dorm rooms at UVA was my summer job. no wonder i could drink a lot of beer back then and still weigh nothing…

    Reply
  38. Avatar for Tanya from dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.comTanya from dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Yay – beam painting. So excited to see the after! Good luck with the painting. Hope it goes smoothly!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for LaurieLaurie says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:48 am

    I’ve been lurking on your blog for a while. I just bought my first house last year and have been embracing DIY projects with gusto! I’m so thankful you posted the picture of your beams up close. I have beams just like your is my family room. They were dark like yours until I painted them last fall. I like them much better but I noticed since I did them a light color you can see dark gaps in some spots. Not very big mind you, but they get on my nerves! I’m planning on crown moulding the hold room, but the depth of the beams aren’t as long as the crown I want to use. You saved me with your picture… I see they used 3/4″ round moulding where your beams meet the ceiling! I just refinished my steps that go down into my family room with a decorative 3/4″ moulding in the back (there was a 1/2″ gap there to stuff the carpet in?) I’m going to get that same moulding and slap it on my beams. See? You inspire even when you’re not trying too. Keep up the good work. You have a lovely family. Clara and burger are lucky to have such devoted parents.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:50 am

      So glad!! Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for pampam says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:49 am

    LOL Great post & I can’t wait to see the beams. I don’t know if you are nursing but that burns tons of calories, John can’t even attempt that LOL

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 10:55 am

      True dat. I love nursing! Seriously, I never thought I’d be one of those people who makes statements like that but I’m totally going to be sad when Clara outgrows nursing because it’s such a nice little bonding break- and it burns calories. What’s not to love?!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for pampam says

      February 4, 2011 at 11:34 am

      I loved nursing too, it was bitter sweet when my son stopped. And not having to exercise to burn calories, HOLLA’!

    • Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm

      Oh but he can…

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiXp_See_Bs

      We’d like a full YHL post including before & after photos!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:45 pm

      No way! I had no idea that was possible. You may have just blown my mind. But I love nursing too much to share. John can paint to burn calories and I’ll keep on nursing. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for Heather @ REOlisticRenovationHeather @ REOlisticRenovation says

    February 4, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Sounds like sledgehammer aerobics could be the new pole dancing aerobics! :) I am totally in!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Jennifer KJennifer K says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Whoa, that does not look like an easy task! Good luck, I’m sure it will look amazing.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Hey! Just wanted to let you know that I’m a dentist who reads your blog between patients. I enjoyed the mention. :) Especially because it wasn’t followed by how much you hate us.

    The beams should look great and your arms will be BURNING. I hate having to paint over my head.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 11:10 am

      I love that we have a dentist reader! Seriously, that makes me day. I actually really like going to the dentist because there are free mags to read and my teeth feel all shiny when I leave. Hah.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Christa MChrista M says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:28 pm

      I LOVE going to the dentist and always have! I see mine 4 times a year! Not everybody hates you!

    • Avatar for JenJen says

      February 4, 2011 at 6:47 pm

      Megan- I’m in my third year of dental school and also check their blog in between appointments… and I’ll admit I’ve have had several conversations about YHL while working on my patients. The youngsters have no idea what dynamic they’ve added to the oral health care profession haha.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 11:34 pm

      That just blew our minds. Hahahaahah. Love it. Seriously.

      xo,
      s

  44. Avatar for carolinaheartstringscarolinaheartstrings says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:12 am

    OHHHH I cannot wait to see the finished beams. It will look awesome I am sure.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for PatriciaPatricia says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:18 am

    OMG, that is so funny I was on Health.com yesterday checking out a gallery about the same thing! It is a workout! It is also great that most magazine have their articles available online. :)

    http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20395219_6,00.html

    Reply
  46. Avatar for GiuliaGiulia says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Good luck to your shoulders and neck! I hate painting anything above my head – I get my hubby to do that.

    Interested to see how you’ll prep the beams. I just painted 1950s wooden closet doors and it took me 3 coats because I did not want to sand and create all the dust in my daughters room.

    I’m sure it’s going to look great!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for JanaJana says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Ugh! I hate painting anything overhead! I always end up with the worst neck ache. Give yourself some breaks here and there so you dont end up with a gigantic headache :)

    Reply
  48. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Sherry,

    Did you ever get into watching Bethenny Frankel or read her Naturally Thin book? If not I want to send it to you because I am sure you’d really like it.

    Lauren

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:06 pm

      Yes I love Bethenny! She cracks me up. Haven’t read the book yet but I’ll have to check it out!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Hey guys! Any idea why the last picture doesn’t show up for me? Anyone else having that problem?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:07 pm

      That’s a really really old pic that’s hosted on our old server (which might somehow be blocked by your office or something). So sorry!

      xo,
      s

  50. Avatar for TinaTina says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Someone already beat you to the sledgehammer aerobics:

    shovelglove.com

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 4, 2011 at 12:05 pm

      No way!!! Love it.

      xo,
      s

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