We all know how important it is to lose weight and stay fit and most
of us think that walking, biking or using a treadmill are the most
efficient ways to loose weight. However, you can lose weight and stay
fit by mowing the lawn, trimming trees, caring for your garden plants, working on
your vegetable garden, or doing some yard work.
What makes mowing the lawn or gardening good things to do outside, is that they are great ways to lose weight, get into shape and keep your outside areas in good shape.
For instance, working in your garden can burn up to 150 calories per half hour or by planting seeds can burn up to 150 calories per hour. Other outdoor activities that burn up calories are weeding, digging and harvesting. For example, weeding a garden can burn up almost 140 calories in a half hour, while digging dirt can burn up over 200 calories in a half hour. When you mow your lawn, you are burning up at least 200 calories an hour. Loose weight by doing some outdoor activities.
Of course, when working outdoors, it is important to protect yourself from insect bites, exposure from the sun and heat illness. In addition, if you have any health conditions such as arthritis, use tools that are easy to grip and handle. Another added benefit of working in the garden and other outside activities is that you can enjoy the fresh air and beauty of spring, summer and fall. Working or playing outside can be inspirational and a great benefit to your emotional well-being. Some also suggest that when you mow your lawn, engage in gardening or working on your vegetable garden, weedings your plants, mowing the grass, trimming trees or when doing other outside activities such as bagging up leaves, to start out slowly and work in moderation. As you get used to the activities, slowly increase your work and soon you will find a healthy balance.
Other tips besides starting out slowly—such as starting with a couple of hours the first time and then gradually increasing the tine—is to not lift things that are too heavy, do light stretching before and after the activities, do the outside work three or four times a week and always be careful not to stay on your knees too long when weeding.
It is important to note that working in your garden is almost as good as walking--especially when it pertains to exercise because garden work can lower your blood pressure, prevent diabetes and heart disease and lower your chances of becoming depressed. All in all, you can't go wrong when working outside. It is a win-win event!
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