Springtime is upon us and many of us are looking forward to getting out in the sunshine and planting our beautiful gardens. Is gardening considered exercising? If you have spent all day in the garden or yard, you feel as though you have put in a full body workout, but have you? It all depends on the particular gardening task you are doing. Standing and watering probably will not cause your heart rate to increase but digging, pulling, and pushing the wheelbarrow will. Like any other form of exercise, you must be active for at least 30 minutes for there to be a benefit.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, gardening is compared to “moderate cardiovascular exercise.” Gardening 30 to 45 minutes a day can burn 150 to 300 calories.
Calories Burned Per 30 Minutes of Activity:
Gardening can provide many health benefits including the following:
Gardening is just one way to promote activity when you otherwise might be sitting. Time passes quickly, and before you know it, you have racked up 60 minutes of exercise. Remember it is always important to start slowly if you are not used to much exertion.
For your comfort, safety, and for protection for your back and knees, keep these tips in mind:
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture