Using Gardening As A Subtle Exercise Method

Using Gardening As A Subtle Exercise Method

Gardening is often associated with being a relaxing and productive hobby, allowing one to grow a beautiful garden filled with delicious fruits and vegetables. However, many gardeners do not realize that gardening can also be a subtle form of exercise, providing a great workout while being productive.

Here in the UK, we take pride in our gardens, and it’s no secret that the process of gardening involves a great deal of physical activity. Whether it’s digging holes, carrying pots and bags, or pulling weeds, gardening requires a significant amount of effort that can work out almost every muscle group in your body. This is why gardening can provide the same amount of muscle exercise as a typical workout at the gym.

I, for one, am not a fan of working out. The idea of lifting heavy weights for hours on end does not appeal to me, but I am an avid gardener. I spend most of my free time working on my garden, and to my brother’s surprise, I am just as muscular as he is, despite never having lifted a weight.

It is crucial to stretch out before starting any gardening activities. As gardeners, we often spend long periods of time crouching or bending over, which can strain our backs. To prevent this, it’s essential to take regular breaks, stretch out, and ensure that you are moving around in different positions.

Weeding and pruning are two of the most excellent exercises a gardener can do. The constant crouching and standing involved in these activities is great for working out your legs. If the weeds are particularly difficult to remove, it can also work out your arms, providing a toned appearance. It’s essential to switch arms and positions to ensure that you are spreading the workout evenly across different areas of your body.

Transporting and lifting bags and pots is another great way to get a workout. Whether it’s moving them from the nursery to your house or spreading them out in your garden, it can provide a significant workout as long as you remember to lift with your legs and not your back.

Mowing the lawn can also be a great workout. If you have an older mower that is not self-propelled, the act of pushing it through the grass will give you a workout that is comparable to spending hours at the gym. Mowing the lawn requires you to use your chest, arms, back, and shoulders, and your thighs and butt also get worked hard to propel the mower. Not only does it provide an all-around muscle workout, but it also improves heart health and can even aid in weight loss due to the increased heart rate and heavy breathing involved.

In conclusion, gardening can be a fantastic way to get in shape or lose weight. However, it is essential to stretch out, drink plenty of water, and wear sunscreen to prevent pulled muscles, dehydration, and sunburn. As long as you take the necessary precautions, I believe that gardening can be a great way to improve your health and lead a healthier life.