July 24, 2017
Summer is a popular time to get active in search of that perfect “summer body,” but hitting the gym may not be the only way to get your summer workout. Working on your lawn is an excellent way to burn calories and build muscle, so let’s look at some of the health benefits that come with doing yard work.
Gardening
Gardening is one of the best ways to care for your yard while getting a workout. Pulling weeds and planting new seeds both require you to use your entire body; from digging up weeds to transporting new plants to your garden, the process is certainly a full-body workout. This is why, depending on the level of intensity, you can expect to burn anywhere from 200-600 calories with an hour of gardening.
Of course, the health benefits of gardening aren’t just physical. Getting your hands a little dirty, helping plant new life, and working near so many bright colors are all excellent ways to de-stress. So not only does gardening improve your physical health but your mental health as well.
Weed Whacking
Even though the process has largely become automated, using a mechanical weed whacker is still an excellent way to get an upper body workout. The back and forth motion that you’ll use to clear out troublesome weeds is nearly identical to what you’d use when paddling a kayak, which means working out your arms and core.
Similar to gardening, even weed whacking has been found to have a calming effect on the psyche. While the persistent buzzing of a weed whacker may not be the most soothing noise you’ll ever hear, the effect of cleaning up the area around your home makes many people feel calm and in-control of their lives.
Mowing the Lawn
Of all the types of yard work, none are more iconic than the simple act of mowing the lawn. For those with push mowers, mowing the lawn is an excellent arms, back, and legs workout as you control the speed and direction of your mowing. It can still be an excellent workout, however, even if you’re using a riding mower. Riding mowers typically don’t have power steering, so making large turns across your lawn will be an excellent way to build up your biceps.
Additionally, mowing the lawn is a task that will almost certainly require you to put away your phone. This allows you to get lost in thought as you perform a simple task, and some have described the feeling of “spacing out” while mowing to be similar to meditation. For this reason, many people eagerly look forward to mowing their lawns as a time to relax while burning a few calories.
Yard work comes with plenty of health benefits, so there’s no reason to wait. If you’re looking for a workout this summer, use the above tips to gain some muscle while doing household chores around your lawn.
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