There is nothing better than getting in shape while enjoying the immense beauty of the great outdoors. You can accomplish this by getting in shape through working in the yard-you will also end up with a beautiful garden in the process!
Whether hauling mulch, spreading soil, raking leaves, or pulling weeds, you are guaranteed to break a sweat-especially If you are trying to. That is because gardening works all your major muscle groups.
Even something as simple as planting flowers involves squatting, which engages your legs for support, your core muscles for balance, and your arms and shoulders for digging. You are working out without even thinking about it.
As the spring weather rolls in, it is the perfect time to get outside and garden-you will transform your yard and your body all at the same time. By using the outdoors as your own personal gym you'll rake-in the benefits, and easily lose track of time in the process.
Fresh air is always uplifting, especially in the springtime. You will also get an infusion of vitamin D from the sun, and you will be able to relax and relieve stress in the process.
Heavy yard work is a great way to add variation to your regular exercise program, while light gardening can be great for exercise beginners. If you do this as a way to burn calories, take full advantage of what the great outdoors have to offer.
Instead of using a ride on mower, get a push one. This adds intensity so that you are working harder, elevating that heart rate, and burning more calories.
If you are raking up leaves, change the movement and direction to make full use of your muscles. Rake in front of your body to target your shoulders.
Rake both right to left and left to right to work both arms evenly. You will get an even and balanced workout this way, and you will not get any painful blisters in the process.
If you are using a wheelbarrow to haul yard waste, soil, or mulch, take an extra loop or two around your garden before you set your goods down. It only takes a few more minutes, but it can end up providing you with lots of strength training.
When you are digging or planting, rotate back and forth between hands so that you are utilizing both arms. Instead of using a small watering can, heave the heavy hose around the yard with you.
While this is less convenient, you are using much more muscle output. You may have experienced some aching muscles after working outside in the past, but there are actually several things you can do to prevent this soreness.
Always warm up first by taking a short walk around your yard or down the block. Try some light stretches on the muscles that you are going to be using.
Every once in a while, especially if you are hunched, stand up and stretch your low back and hamstrings. Make sure that you drink lots of water, and stay fully hydrated.
Once you become a gardening pro, you can even end up growing delicious fruits and vegetables as well. Then you can transform your diet into something healthier and more well rounded.
Be sure to use proper body mechanics when raking, bending, or picking up lawn debris. Bend from the knees when picking up debris, and consider using a cart or wagon to move items from one place to another.
When raking, use the scissors stance-place one foot in front of the other and then switch after ten minutes. Make sure to rotate your tasks quite often, and change up what you are doing.
If you are pulling weeds, stand up after ten minutes or so, stretch your back and arms, change the position you are in. Rake a small part of the area you are working on, then pick up the debris and move it out of the area.
If you live in a particularly hot and humid area of the country, early morning or twilight may be the best times to work. Do not work during the hottest part of the day, as this can dehydrate you.
As soon as the spring comes, begin right away. You will fall in love with this form of exercise.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked the past 22 years in the lawn care industry. He suggests usingLawn Care Atlanta for a quality lawn.
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