Benefits of Gardening

It’s that time of year again. The snow has melted and the warmer weather is upon us. This is a sure sign that it’s time to get those hands dirty and get that garden ready for a plentiful harvest. Not only do gardens look beautiful, maintaining and creating a garden has some health benefits as well.

It is recommended to participate in some kind of moderate cardiovascular exercise every day. Gardening is a great way to meet that expectation. Gardening burns about 150-300 calories in 30-45 minutes. What constitutes gardening? Think weeding, digging, hoeing, raking, planting, and digging. We constantly preach functional exercise. Gardening incorporates stretching, pushing, pulling, squatting, lifting, and many more movements that help our functional fitness. It’s like having a gym in your backyard! We can break it down even more. Raking up debris is a back workout, trimming and shaping with hedge clippers is a great chest workout, and digging is great for the legs. Balance, flexibility, and sensory perception are improved as well. With all of this exercise, endorphins are released making us feel good and creates positivity.

Who knew gardening could provide so many benefits? It is low impact and enjoyable for all ages. No matter what you are planting, big or small, the same benefits are reaped. So pick up a shovel and some seeds and enjoy the outdoors and the many fitness benefits that gardening provides.

Source: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18323/9-reasons-gardening-is-the-ultimate-mindbody-workout.html

Sean Willitts is an ACE certified personal trainer. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2015 with a bachelor’s is sport management and a minor in fitness. Including training at Body Elite, he is also a record holding powerlifter. He uses his practical experience and knowledge to help his clients achieve their strength and fitness goals.