• 30 minutes of digging and shoveling burns about 150 calories. This is equivalent to riding a stationary bike at the gym for the same amount of time.
• 30 minutes of trimming shrubs burns about 182 calories. This is the same as vigorously lifting weights for the same amount of time
• 30 minutes of raking leaves burns about 162 calories. You can also do this by participating in intermediate Pilates for the same amount of time
• 30 minutes of mowing the lawn burns about 182 calories. In the gym, you’d need to do low-impact aerobics for the same amount of time

Gardening is not only good at burning calories but also strengthens joints and increases flexibility. You are constantly getting up and down, stretching, bending, and reaching to plant the seedlings or pull the weeds. The health benefits increase from there! Just 30 minutes of daily gardening can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It can also prevent or slow down osteoporosis. Enjoy your outside gardening plans and remember the health benefits you will gain each time you venture outdoors!

Contributed by Joanne Mason, RN, MS, MSN, & UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County Master Gardener

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