Is Gardening Exercise? Yes! Doing work in a garden can burn almost as many calories as walking fast or playing golf for an hour. Just like a fitness class, it blends all of strength, flexibility, and endurance. Find out here why gardening is a fitness activity, and get tips on how to get the most out of your garden.
How Gardening Compares to Traditional Exercise
Gardening is a sneaky workout. Here’s how it measures up for a 155-lb person.
Calorie Burn Showdown
| Activity | 30 Minutes | Equivalent To… |
| Digging/Turning Soil | 250-300 cal | Elliptical machine |
| Mowing (Push Mower) | 200-250 cal | Brisk walking (4 mph) |
| Weeding | 150-200 cal | Gentle yoga |
| Raking Leaves | 180-220 cal | Bowling or dancing |
Exercise Benefits Beyond Calories
- Strength: Lifting soil bags mimics weight training.
- Flexibility: Pruning stretches improve mobility.
- Cardio: Pushing wheelbarrows gets your heart racing.
Gardening as Functional Fitness
Gardening builds real-world strength and movement. It’s exercise disguised as chores!
Real-World Movements
- Squatting to Plant: Hello, leg day!
- Twisting to Weed: Works your core like a gym twist.
- Carrying Pots: Similar to farmer’s carries for grip strength.
NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)
Gardening boosts all-day calorie burn without feeling like a workout. It’s active living!
Maximizing the Workout
Turn your garden into a fitness playground with these tips.
Turn Chores into Challenges
- Lunge While Weeding: Do 10 lunges per row for leg power.
- Wheelbarrow Sprints: Load it up and dash for cardio.
Safety = Better Gains
- Bend at Knees: Protect your back by squatting, not bending.
- Switch Sides: Dig or rake evenly to balance muscles.
Is Gardening Exercise? What Science Says
Science backs gardening as legit exercise.
- CDC Recommendation: Gardening counts as moderate exercise (aim for 150 minutes/week).
- Study Spotlight: Older gardeners show better hand strength and mobility than non-gardeners.
Your Garden, Your Gym
Is Gardening Exercise? Your garden doubles as a gym! Wear a fitness tracker next time – you’ll be shocked by the steps and calories burned. Whether digging or weeding, you’re building strength and stamina. Track your progress and level up!