Continued...

Burning Calories and Not Fuel

We need to change the way we think about outside chores. (I just called them chores. See, I’m labeling an outdoor exercise that enhances muscle tone, conditions cardiovascular functioning and is a proven weight lost regiment a chore.) OK. It’s work, but exercise isn’t exactly a hot dog at a baseball game.

Tips for your success:

1. Don’t overdo it! One or two hours of gardening is plenty, especially when you are beginning.
2. Don’t lift objects that are too heavy for you. If you injure yourself, chances are you won’t be able to continue to gardening for exercise and weight loss.
3. Stretch before, during and after gardening. Don’t stay down on your knees while weeding or planting for extended periods of time. Get up and move!
4. Garden at least 3-4 times a week. Weeds grow fast.
5. Continue your outdoor exercise routine even after you last blooms have faded. Shoveling the snow, raking leaves, and splitting wood are great calorie burners that will lead to weight loss!
6. Don’t forget the added benefit of growing your own healthy fruits and vegetables and your yard will look beautiful from all of your hard work!
7. Have fun and remember the reason your doing it!

Once you get into the habit of viewing gardening as an excellent way to lose weight and stay in shape, you may never go back to the gym again!

You can lose weight by gardening–up to 300-600 calories per hour!

Here’s the breakdown of a typical man weighing 180 pounds spending 30 minutes doing own of the following:

Watering lawn/garden – 61 calories

• Raking – 162

• Bagging leaves – 162

• Planting seeds/seedlings – 162

• Planting trees – 182

• Weeding – 182

• Clearing Land – 202

• Digging, spading, tilling – 202

• Laying Sod – 202

• General gardening – 202

• Chopping wood – 243

• Gardening with heavy power tools – 243

• Mowing the lawn with a push mower – 243

• Shoveling snow – 243

• Shoveling heavy snow – 364 calories

If you aren’t use to exercising in the garden or have been relatively inactive all winter, start slowly. Just remember to work within your means and not over do it, especially in the heat of summer. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before starting. And make sure you stretch before you start digging!