Is Gardening Exercise?

by Sue Johnson, KIPDA Nutrition Planner

Absolutely! Gardening has all the essential elements of any exercise regimen stretching, repetition, movement, and even resistance all while burning up calories. Activities like weeding, trimming, mowing, or raking can burn up to 300 calories an hour when done at a constant pace. (Keep in mind that weight training burns about 295 calories per hour.) Using manual tools instead of power ones can help burn added calories.

Gardening is great for the mind as well as the body. Working in the garden can divert your mind away from everyday stress, relieve tension and promote mental relaxation.

Looking for a great way to get exercise and enjoy what you're doing? Try gardening. You can burn up calories, exercise your muscles, relax your mind, and end up with a beautiful garden to show for it!

For expert gardening advice, contact UK Extension Horticulture at www.ca.uky.edu/jefferson/horticulture.

Sue Johnson is Nutrition Planner for KIPDA Area Agency on Aging.