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9 Tips to Get a Killer Workout While Gardening

For many people, gardening provides them with a way to relax and unwind after a long, stressful day or week. But why not turn your gardening into a workout? That way, you can get your exercise for the day AND keep your garden looking beautiful!

Getting a workout while gardening is easier said than done. After all, most of the gardening-related activities are pretty sedentary. But, if you're smart, you can fit in a workout while you garden. Here are a few things you can do:

Sweep --­ Take a few moments to sweep the flagstones or the garden walkway. Sweeping can burn up to 200 calories per hour. Sweep hard and fast, and you'll feel your heart pumping in no time!

Rake -- Raking is even better exercise than sweeping, particularly after trimming your lawn. Make huge piles of grass or leaves, pick up the piles, and haul them away. You'll burn up to 300 calories in an hour and leave your lawn looking spectacular.

Trim -- Trimming or pruning trees can be hard work! Not only do you have to climb up into the trees to reach the branches, but the hacking or sawing can be good exercise. Spend a few minutes pruning dead branches, and you'll get a great workout.

Dig -­- Digging is amazing exercise! It works your back, arms, shoulders, core, and leg muscles, and it will have you breathing hard in no time. Whether you're digging a new row for planting crops or double-digging to turn over soil, it's a great way to get in shape.

Hoe -- Hoeing is much harder and more tiring than it looks, especially if there is a lot of very rocky ground. Spend a few minutes turning over the topsoil to work up a sweat.

Squat while you weed -- Most of us like to sit on a chair on kneel on the ground while we weed, but you can use your weeding time as a chance for a leg workout. Squat as you weed, and hold the position until your legs burn. Resist the urge to sit or kneel, and you'll work your leg muscles beautifully.

Build something -- Carpentry is hard work, and it's a great way to get exercise while gardening. You can put up a new greenhouse, build a chicken coop, or put together a garden box.

Push the lawnmower -- No more riding mower for you! Get out that old push mower, and push that thing around your lawn or yard. By the time you're done mowing, you'll be sweating profusely and breathing hard. Talk about a great workout!

Haul away debris -- Load up that wheelbarrow and cart the debris far away. Hauling a wheelbarrow works your core, your forearms, your arms, your shoulders, and your back, giving you an excellent upper body workout as you leave your garden nice and clean.

The beauty of gardening is that you're in the great outdoors, breathing fresh air and getting plenty of sunshine. With the advice above, you can benefit from a wonderful workout while working on your garden.

[Image via Getty]

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