Gardening is one of the most fulfilling activities that one can participate in. With all of the fresh air and sunshine, it provides an ideal way to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beauty of nature. Most people don’t realize that gardening can be a great source of exercise as well. In this article, we will discuss seven exercises from gardening that you might have never thought of before, but can be quite effective and enjoyable.
Detailed Discussion on Exercises from Gardening
1. Digging
Digging is an excellent full-body workout. It is a great way to strengthen your core muscles, arms, legs, and back. When digging, you engage your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calf muscles. Thirty minutes of digging burns an estimated 150-200 calories, which is the same as a moderate jogging session.
2. Raking
Raking is an excellent upper-body workout that targets your arms, shoulders, and back. When raking, try to keep your back straight and engage your abdominal muscles. This will help you to maintain proper posture and avoid injury. Twenty minutes of raking burns approximately 75-100 calories.
3. Weeding
Weeding is a great way to improve your flexibility and balance. Weeding also engages your core muscles, arms, and legs. Stand on one foot while weeding and alternate between feet every few minutes to increase your stability and coordination. Thirty minutes of weeding burns approximately 100-150 calories.
4. Mowing the Lawn
Mowing the lawn is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your legs and glutes. While it may seem like a menial task, it can burn up to 350 calories in 30 minutes. Pushing the lawnmower can tone your arms and upper body, too.
5. Carrying Watering Cans
Carrying watering cans is an excellent way to tone your arms, shoulders, and back muscles. Filling up and carrying two watering cans for five minutes is a short and sweet way to relax and tone your upper body.
6. Sweeping and Cleaning Up
Cleaning up the garden means a lot of bending, carrying, and sweeping, which is an excellent way to work on your abdominal muscles and lower back. Additionally, cleaning can tone your arms and shoulder muscles as well.
7. Harvesting
Harvesting vegetables and fruits is a great way to burn calories, get fresh air and Vitamin D, and helps one learn about the importance of not wasting food. Harvesting fruits and vegetables can strengthen your core, glutes, and leg muscles, thereby keeping you fit and healthy.
Concluding Thoughts on Exercises from Gardening
Gardening is one activity that can bring much joy and reward to people of any age, and individuals find it a constant source of relaxation. Not only does gardening provide beautiful scenery and tasty meals, but it can also provide essential physical exercise. Gardening can, and never will be, a replacement for a rigorous workout in a gym, but it can keep you active, healthy and fit in a holistic way. Make sure you take breaks, stay hydrated, and stretch to prevent injury.
FAQs about Exercises from Gardening
1. Can gardening help us burn calories?
Yes, gardening is a great way to burn calories and stay healthy. Depending on the activity you choose, you can burn up to 350 calories per session.
2. Can gardening improve our flexibility?
Yes, gardening incorporates various stretches and utility-oriented movements, which can improve your flexibility levels significantly.
3. Is gardening good for seniors?
Yes, gardening activities can help keep seniors active and healthy. It offers a relaxed and enjoyable environment to exert themselves and stay fit in their golden years.
4. Can gardening help reduce stress?
Gardening is an effective stress-buster because it increases endorphins, which helps to soothe the mind and body. Gardening is regarded as one of the most calming and rewarding hobbies to perform amidst nature.
5. How do I incorporate stretching into my gardening routine?
Stretching should be included in your gardening routine to prevent injury. Do a few minutes of static stretching to increase circulation and loosen up the muscles before picking up your gardening tools.
