As keen gardeners there’s something we’re quite smug about. Being a former regular at the gym I always wondered why along with the treadmills and the rowing machines they didn’t have a digging machine too. Whilst enjoying our garden, whether watering the plants or trimming hedges, we’re all benefitting from some great exercise, so next time you pop out to do a little bit try and include a little of the following, to save on expensive gym membership.
Digging
This is an excellent way to burn calories and strengthen muscle tone. Not only will it burn calories quicker than leopard chasing its own spots it will also tone your thighs, abdominals, upper arms and back whilst creating a great space for next year’s planting or this year’s plug plants.
Weeding
Make sure you have back support, but pulling out those dreaded weeds will have you crawling on all fours and perfecting skills used in everyday yoga, and at this time of year you can console yourself that it may be the last weeding you do for a while.
Shopping
Shopping for flowers and plants is therapeutic especially when you imagine what your garden will look like in the months to come. Lifting and carrying and transporting the plants is a great calorie burner, whilst garden centres are so huge these days, taking a trek around them will probably amount to a couple of miles!
Clipping hedges
If you hate your bingo wings then trim your hedge. Any dividing hedges will not only benefit the appearance of your garden from a good clipping but will also benefit your upper arms. I was adventurous this year and constructed chickens, frogs, rabbits and the honey monster in my box hedging, it really is amazing how easy it is to do!
Mowing the lawn
You’ll be amazed at how many muscle groups are involved in pushing a lawn mower up and down grass. Of course if you have a sit on mower you’ll be cheating, but an ordinary electric or petrol mower will strengthen your back, arms and upper legs. If you make sure your posture is prime your abs will benefit too and you can enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn all winter, even when it is under snow you’ll know!
Building a rockery
There’s a reason builders generally have great abdominals and strong upper arms. Building a rockery in your garden burns off as many calories as rock climbing itself, without the heights!
Playing football
Yes, when it’s all done and you can sit back and admire your handiwork, what better way to celebrate than a family barbecue and a kick about with the children?
After all that exercise you need somewhere to relax. Look for good quality garden furniture to fill your garden with gazebos, benches and more to ensure you make the most of your extra space outside. The garden can become a completely new room for your home, and with a little help, a fire pit and some comfortable garden furniture, you can ensure you enjoy it all year round.